For the first time since Shoppers Drug Mart moved out, workmen are back inside the empty premises on South Bayview constructing the new store for Dollarama. One of these men told the South Bayview Bulldog that it seems likely that Dollarama is shooting for a September (or late summer) opening of its new dollar store. The unexplained delay in the Dollarama takeover of the property is that the lease held by Shoppers Drug Mart has continued on until now with Shoppers still paying rent.
445 Bennington re-building underway
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Construction is underway at 445 Heath Street East in Bennington Heights where an original two-storey bread box house has recently been sold for well over $1 million. The new home will be much larger of course, making use of the deep Bennington Heights lot. Previous post.
Alberta Tories win majority, confound pollsters
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The Alberta Progressive Conservative Party has dumbfounded the pollsters and is on its way to a solid majority government in today’s General Election. Globe and Mail
Michelle: “From the bottom of my heart I’m so sorry”
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Michelle Yu and her family made a dignified and articulate expression of their thanks tonight for the outpouring of concern and the enormous effort that was made to find the 18-year-old York Mills Collegiate student. Speaking outside the family home just before 10 p.m. Michelle offered her thanks to her family, friends, school officials, Girl Guide associates and the 33 Division officers of the Toronto Police Service. In particular, Michelle said that from the bottom of her heart “I’m so sorry for putting everybody through this.” She said it made her realize how much she was loved. Michelle contacted her family from Vancouver yesterday. It’s not clear how she got to that city but reports say she did not fly there and that she travelled alone. Yesterday, her father flew to Vancouver and reunited with his daughter before flying home with her, arriving Monday evening. Shortly after their arrival home, police visited to get whatever information was necessary to close the matter. Michelle and her parents answered all questions only with expressions of thanks and a plea for privacy. Michelle herself said she was very tired. Throughout the impromptu news conference it was evident that Michelle is a poised and intelligent person.
Thank you for your help: Michelle’s friends
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A message on the Facebook page created to co-ordinate the search for Michelle Yu carries a heartfelt message of thanks today:
Thank-you for joining us this past week in prayer and in action. This has been a difficult time for the Yu family and they have been overwhelmed by all the support and love they have received. We are ecstatic to let you know that contact has been made with Michelle. She is safe. The family requests that you respect their privacy at this time. Thank you again for all your help.
However Toronto police say they must speak with Michelle and establish that she is in fact okay before closing out their investigation. Michelle phoned her family yesterday and told them that she was safe. She is apparently in Vancouver. The family then contacted police and school officials at York Mills Collegiate. Michelle is graduating from Grade 12 at York Mills.
Meeting on postal site set for April 30, 2012
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Deni Papetti has sent mail on behalf of local Leaside residents about a meeting on the proposed redevelopment of the Postal Station R site. This community meeting will take place at the Leaside Library, on Monday, April 30th between 6:15-8:15pm.
Overlea Zellers to close June 18, 2012
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The Zellers store in the East York Town Centre will close June 18, 2012. Work will then begin on converting the store to a Target location. It is among the first of 24 Zellers across Ontario that is being converted to a Target. The new stores are expected to open by March or early April, 2012. The Overlea store is a riot of signage announcing the closing and advertising markdowns on everything in the store. Target says it will spend approximately $10 million to $11 million to remodel each store “in order to bring the full Target brand experience to Canadian communities.” Target says it will employ 150 to 200 associates in each store. “Store team hiring will begin in 2012 and Target will engage with Zellers associates to make it easy for them to apply for jobs.” Others can apply to Target by visiting www.Target.ca/careers.
St. Cuthberts Spring Fair Saturday, April 28
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The St. Cuthberts Anglican Church Spring Fair and Sale is scheduled for next Saturday, April 28, 2012 from 11am-2pm The church asks that if you’re doing your spring cleaning, remember it can use clean items in good condition to sell in the various booths. No text books or magazines, no clothing, no large electrical appliances and no large pieces of furniture. Apart from that, almost anything you have in your home can be sold at the fair. Items should be marked “Spring Fair” and left in the Lamb Hall foyer. Mark the date in your calendar. Volunteers are needéd too.
Leaside United seeking Pastoral Care Associate
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Leaside United Church is seeking a part-time Pastoral Care Associate. The Pastoral Care Associate will provide leadership and coordination in meeting the pastoral care needs of the congregation. http://www.leasideunited.org
Cops pose as beggars to nab cell scofflaws
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You heard it right. The Ottawa police have posed as homeless panhandlers at the roadside to catch traffic law violators using their phones while they drive. The program was so successful they plan to take it city-wide. The project was carried out over 8.5 hours on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. It led to 209 provincial offence notices, 97 of which were for distracted driving. This program isn’t just about breaking the law. Driving while yakking on the cell is frequently as lethal as a shooter of hemlock. Say what you like, this may the first time a panhandler saved a life.
Chai on Bayview featuring salmon tonight
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Lambert Moo of Chai on Bayview reminds us that the Saturday dinner entree is salmon, done in the healthy style of the restaurant. Last Saturday was the debut of Chai’s dinner schedule and things were busy.
Homefront Eglinton fully stocked for Spring
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Homefront at 371 Eglinton West if richly stocked with new tabletop inventory and accessories for the home. (416) 488-3189.