Saab has new owners. The buyers are Hong Kong based National Electric Vehicle Sweden AB,, taking 51 percent and Japanese investment group Sun Investment LLC. It was recently formed with the purpose of bidding for Saab. NEVS said it would initially focus the sale of its electricity cars on the Chinese market, but that it also has wider plans to expand more globally in the long-term.
Hard luck space at Bayview and Belsize
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The hard luck space downstairs in the Behar building at Bayview and Belsize finally has a for lease sign on it. The agent is DTZ Barnicke. This large space has been the site of a number of failed enterprises including the 7-11 store from a few years ago. The story told is that the space has remained un-offered for occupancy so long because 7-11 was paying the rent. We can’t confirm that but the unfortunate state of this space is a source of legitimate public interest in South Bayview. 7-11, by the way, is the largest convenience store chain in the world and is owned in Japan.
End of the line for Overlea Zellers store
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It’s the end of the line for the Zellers store in the East York Town Centre on Overlea Blvd. The venerable bargain house will close its doors for good next Monday, June 18, 2012. From then on, the premises will be on a time line to re-open sometime in 2013 as a new Target store. Today the place is a pitiable sight. Empty shelves and dirty floors, escalators shut down and staff looking sad. Employees must re-apply with Target in order to be considered for a job at the new store.
Honour council’s will Ford tells McGuinty
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For reasons unknown, Housing Minister Kathleen Wynne (Don Valley West) has not signed off on the sale of Toronto Community Housing Corp. homes which was approved by City Council back in March. The properties are largely vacant and unused. Mayor Ford has now written to the Premier reminding him of his commitment during the subway/LRT skirmishes to “observe the will of council”. Ford says the sale will generate some $24 million which will be used to maintain other public housing which has tenants. Toronto Sun.
TD sees no dramatic drop in home prices
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The Toronto-Dominion banking group says Vancouver and Toronto home prices will probably experience a relatively mild downtown in two to three years — but not the dramatic drop that hit the United States a few years ago.TD says a 15 per cent decline in Canada’s two most expensive cities is likely in a few years but it will be gradual, rather than the sudden drop of 30 per cent seen in the U.S. real estate market. The bank’s analysis is consistent with other warnings that Vancouver and Toronto real estate is generally overpriced but supported by low interest rates and a stable economy. TD says that’s not likely to change this year unless there’s a major economic shock from outside the country. Yonge and Roxborough News.
Wrecker knocks down best LCBO we ever had
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Driving by 1920 Yonge St at Merton St these days is enough to make you want to order a stiff drink. We know it’s only a building, but it happened to be the best LCBO the government alcohol monopoly ever opened. It’s seen in better times open for business in the top picture. The store wasn’t lost in a mall, not stuck at the back of the Smart Centre, not a hole-in-the-wall with no parking. This place was large, bright, rich with parking and about as well located as we can imagine for a large liquor store. Now, as the wrecking crew portends (above) we’ll get a another condo. Oh joy.
Mad Italian bets on the Danforth
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The third Mad Italian Gelato Bar and coffee house is slated to open on the Danforth this summer. It will set up at the corner of Danforth and Carlaw. Nice neighborhood. This Mad Italian outlet joins two others, the original being at 1581 South Bayview. Although the owners of the Mad Italian have been keen to sell franchises, this one will be an owned and operated place. They hope to open the door in July.
Summer Sizzler to feature free macaroons
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The list of events, attractions and freebies for the South Bayview Sizzler on Saturday, June 23, 2012, continues to grow. In the free category, Pattiserie La Cigogne will be offering a free French Macaroons with a small purchase.Yummy.
RBC Young Savers Giveaways! 9am-4pm
Young Savers’ Surprises:
RBC Piggy Banks, RBC Balloons, Cookies & Activity Books!
Royal Bank – Bayview Branch
1554 Bayview Avenue
Cigars & Salsa on the Patio! – 11am-5pm
Experience the sights and sounds of Cuba as
the musicians of TRADISON perform LIVE on our patio!
The Smokin’ Cigar Inc.
1699 Bayview Avenue
Clown & FREE Balloon Twisters! 1-3pm
“Balloon animals” for the kids…free of course!
Bonnie Byford Real Estate Ltd.
1536 Bayview Avenue
MAN VS LOBSTER! 6-9pm
1 1/4 Lb live Lobster cooked on the patio,
corn on the cob, potato salad & moosehead draught $25!
McSorley’s Saloon
1544 Bayview Avenue
Free French Macarons!
Get a free French Macaron when you purchase $10.00 or more! (Saturday Only)
Patisserie La Cigogne
1626 Bayview Avenue
25% Off Home Fashions!
Saturday, June 23, 2012 – 25% off all stock!
Parallele Interiors
1717 Bayview Ave
Summer Sizzler Special — 50 Lashes for $50!
Eyelash Extensions
Chocolate Tanning Spa & Laser Clinic
1624 Bayview Ave. Suite 200
Hot Deals — 25% Off Selected Accessories!
Bulova and Wittnauer Watches, Pens and Wallets from CROSS,
and Murano Glass by Alan K. Jewellery…All 25% Off!!
Unique Jewellery
1551 Bayview Ave
Auto Trader ceases publication this month
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Declining sales have caused owner Trader Corp. to cease publication of its flagship car advertising magazine, Auto Trader. The magazine has been published from coast-to-coast since the 70s. It’s been decided that printing should stop and readers are being referred to an online site
Star, 680 News discover Wicksteed Ave.
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It’s a good thing that the big media have discovered the interest of residents in the SmartCentres development on the north side of Wicksteed Ave. at Laird Drive. There are stories in the Toronto Star, 680 News and elsewhere this morning. A meeting will be held tonight at Leaside Gardens beginning at 7 p.m. and members of Leaside Unite have been busy getting the word out. Here’s hoping they have a huge turnout. See post two down for link to website of Leaside Unite.
1976 Apple 1 expected to fetch $180,000
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Meeting Monday about Wicksteed development
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Paddy Duncan of Leaside Unite writes with a reminder about the big meeting Monday (tomorrow) night to discuss the SmartCentres development on Wicksteed Ave. at Laird Drive.The meeting will be in the William Lea room at the Leaside Grardens (1078 Millwood at McRae and Southvale). As we posted earlier, this is a huge development and there’s every reason to be concerned that SmartCentres plans to install a Walmart in there (although that’s not confirmed). It’s worth caring about and you can check further by going to http://leasideunite.com/.