South Bayview Bulldog Admin

Watchdog: You’re being tricked on texting cost

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The Competition Bureau is suing Canada’s big three wireless carriers and an industry association for allegedly misleading consumers about the cost of premium texting services. The allegation accuses Bell, Rogers, and Telus of allowing so-called third party operators to sell such things as trivia questions and ringtones in a way that makes it look as if they are free. The net impact on consumers is to mislead them into charges they didn’t see coming. The Competition Bureau is looking for a $10 million dollar fine from each from the wireless firms. The bureau notes that it can cost as much as $10 per transaction and up to $40 for a monthly subscription over and above standard texting plans. Bureau commissioner Melanie Aitken says the investigation showed that consumers are under a false impression with respect to the cost of texting plans. CBC.ca

French magazine takes pictures of Kate topless

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A French magazine on Friday published what appeared to be photos of Prince William’s wife Kate sunbathing topless at a private house in southern France, prompting a strong condemnation from the royal family. CBC.ca

Firm Canadian Peter Lougheed dead at age 84

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Peter Lougheed, the 10th premier of Alberta, has died. He was 84. Lougheed became known not only as a dedicated Albertan but also a firm Canadian. Tonight Prime Minister Harper praised Mr. Lougheed as a great Canadian.  He served as Alberta premier from 1971 to 1985.

Couple pursues man to reclaim stolen bike

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A compelling video (see it here) has been posted on YouTube showing a young couple tracking a man who was riding a $1000 bicycle stolen from their garage two weeks ago. Dave Park and Vanessa Crossley were in their car in west-central Toronto when they spotted the distinctive bicycle beside them at a traffic light.  The couple began a careful pursuit of the bike and its rider. Finally they were able to pull up beside him in a laneway. All the while Ms Crossley had her phone cam video rolling. As you watch the video on our free-standing page, listen to  the couple. “My heart’s beating,” says Ms. Crossley as they close in on the bike and rider. Then follows a spirited exchange in which the young couple demand the return of their bicycle and the rider contends that he got the bike  “from my buddy.”   The debate comes to end however when the owners produce a police report on the theft of the bike from their garage. The rider quickly hands over the bicycle and goes on his way on foot.

“Big White Fella” migrates to the antarctic

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Meeting Sept 24, 2012 about old postal site

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The City has scheduled a meeting regarding the seven-storey condominium proposed for the address known as 2 Laird. The site is the former Postal Station R. The vacant building is still standing. It was purchased by Knightstone Capital from the government earlier this year. It sits between Krawchuk Lane and Malcolm Road with Millwood on the southeast side. Understandably residents are very concerned that their low-rise single family homes will be overwhelmed by the 98 unit condo. The meeting is set for September 24, 2012 at 7 p.m. at St. Anselm’s Parish Hall, entrance off  Macnaughton Rd.  Previous post  All posts   pdf of the City’s notice

Royal Bank barbecue September 29, 2012

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Mortgage Specialist Luciano Guarino at the RBC Bayview and Belsize branch will hold a public barbecue on Saturday, September 29, 2012 at the branch between 11 am and 2 p.m. We’ll have a brat!

Thief in and out during 30-minute window

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The timing of a break-in at a Forest Hill home should alert all residents to be wary of hit-and-run type thieves during the day. In this case, a Dunvegan Road resident tells police that on Monday (September 11, 2012) someone forced the rear door  between 4 and 4.30 pm  and stole a quantity of jewellery.

CTV news anchor Christine Bentley after 35 years of service

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Christine Bentley

Here is a memo sent out today announcing to staff the retirement of CTV News anchor Christine Bentley. This is a significant day in the history of our newsroom. After 35 years with CTV News, Christine Bentley has decided to step down from the anchor desk, and take on new projects outside of CTV. Christine will make the announcement on air in a few minutes from now, and this Friday’s 6:00pm newscast will be her last. Christine wanted you all to know about her decision before she makes it public. In 1977, Christine joined CFTO as an ambitious young reporter, fresh out of Barrie. She worked her way up to the Queen’s Park beat, eventually joining Ken Shaw at 11:30 PM on what was then known as Nightbeat News. Years later she and Ken re-teamed at suppertime, on Toronto’s #1 newscast. Today, Christine is a household name from Oshawa to Hamilton, and she is one of the most recognizable personalities in our city. She marks this career milestone knowing that she has helped keep CTV Toronto as strong as ever; both in quality and in the ratings.

Artisan Olive Oil has taken 1705 Bayview Ave.

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The premises at 1705 Bayview (formerly Groms) has been leased by a company called Artisan Olive Oil and it promises an opportunity for oil and vinegar tastings. Sounds like fun. Things are moving right along and it appears that the shop might be open within a few days. No. 1705 is next door to the Academy of Culinary Arts. We’ll let you know. 

Bulk Barn open in Leaside but who owns it?

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Bulk Barn in the Leaside Village has opened for business today. Bulk Barn sits facing the Longo’s across a driveway and is easy to find in its bright yellow dressing. Bulk Barn is frequently the source of speculation that it is owned by Loblaws. This appears to be not true but there may be an association. Shoppers will notice the No Name brand appearing at Bulk Barn. No Name is owned by Loblaws, so how does it get into Bulk Barn? Here is background from an informed source: “Bulk Barn is a privately held company controlled by the Ofield family of Richmond Hill (and Sarasota Florida). As a private company they don’t have to disclose or report much information. It seems they have a business relationship with Loblaws which may have included them licensing the No Name trademark from Loblaws but there does not appear to be an ownership relationship. If Loblaws owned more than 10% of Bulk Barn they would have to disclose this in various public company filings. It’s theoretically possible that one of the Westons personally could be one of Bulk Barn’s private shareholders but that seems unlikely. It’s also possible that in some cases Loblaws owns some of the Bulk Barn franchises but again, there’s no way to authoritatively know that.”

($3) Dollarama profit leaps 32% in Q2

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Dollarama is just flying as it announces another upward curve in profit. This time the  net profit of $49.8-million in its second quarter, leaping an astonishing 32% from the comparable period last year.  Dollarama plant to open stores and raise prices is clearly paying off. The profit was 66 cents per diluted share in the 13 weeks ended July 29, up from $37.6 million or 50 cents per share in the comparable period last year. Dollarama’s revenue was up 13.8%, rising to $441 million from $387.5 million for the corresponding period last year. Dollarama originally sold products for a dollar each but now offers items of up to $3 — a move that has helped boost its revenue and margins.