The Bulldog

Wicksteed Ave. level-crossing among the last in Toronto

level crossing

The CP main line level-crossing at Wicksteed Ave. just east of Old Leslie Street has to be among the last of such crossings left inside Toronto. We know just how often work is done there or when a train is left sitting on the tracks because Twitter posts from the TTC and others tell us. (A different kind of level crossing signal) Today the crossing was receiving ongoing maintenance. You can see one of the workmen in the above shot taken yesterday (May 1, 2015). 88A and 88B Buses were diverted for most of the day. Those big boxy freight cars zooming across Wicksteed are known as Car Tracks and are used to transport new cars, a huge business for the railways.

Illegal eyesore 27 Fleming Crescent will be demolished

27-fleming-228x300

The illegal home at 27 Fleming Crescent will be demolished, The South Bayview Bulldog has learned. The knock-down will be accomplished just as the many neighbors and Leaside residents who complained about the house had demanded. Robert Ellis, the lawyer who lives next door at 29 Fleming, received word that Hy Hirshberg, whose son Jonah is the owner of record, has agreed to knock down the building.

It was built by a previous owner in 2013-14 and has stood closed-in but unfinished since the City slapped a stop-work order on it last year. This word comes as opponents prepared for another round of battle at Committee of Adjustment (COA) on May 7 at 3:30 pm. Mr. Hirshberg wrote to Ellis and others revealing his decision last night (May 1, 2015). Demolition of the present structure however brings a new challenge for neighbors as the owner will be requesting permission to build a  two-story home with variances.

Mr. Ellis wrote to the many Leaside-area people who support him that he will ask COA to require detailed plans from the builder and a comprehensive zoning assessment by the City with opportunity for ratepayer comment. He will also ask for a community consultation meeting on a mutually agreed date not less than 15 days after such plans and zoning assessment are provided. Finally, he will ask that any Committee hearing date is scheduled with proper notice (ideally at a time and date as mutually agreed with the immediate neighbors).

·

Alice, Victoria, Charlotte: British bettors have their reasons

We know exactly how the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are engaged today. It seems that the vast remainder of the English-speaking world is guessing about baby names. Victoria,  Charlotte (that Pippa’s middle name) or maybe Alice. All lovely. Many bettors among the wagering masses in Britain’s capital would love to listen in on what Kate and William are murmuring about on this topic. As the Duchess of Cambridge went into labour Saturday morning betting shops saw Charlotte emerge as the favourite for the name of the new royal baby – overtaking long-time favourite Alice. Bookmaker William Hill yesterday slashed the odds of the baby being named Princess Charlotte, which stand at 5/4 now that the sex of the baby has been announced. But other bookies have Alice still as their top pick – with Ladbrokes offering odds of 5/4.

Today’s high temp will leave you feverishly speechless

A bright and sunny day awaits South Bayview. The high will leave you speechless — 22 degrees. The 53 Division police are having an open house at Eglinton Ave.W and Dupont St today between 11 a.m.and 4 p.m,. The Manor  Road United Church Rummage Sale is on as well beginning at 10  a.m. That runs until 1 pm. And the InsideOutside marathons to aid diabetes research are at Sunnybrook Park today.

Teen announces false school strike, suspended 3 days

ty3

Ty Stemmler

Waterloo teen Ty Stemmler has been suspended for three days because he made up an official-looking notice and tweeted a fake announcement that the K-W school board would be on strike effective Monday. You can see how the kid’s mind works. There have been a lot of surprise strikes going around. Just Thursday it was announced that the entire Peel Region High school system will be out Monday morning.  Just that fast  “I thought it would be funny,” said the Grade 12 student. Of course, these days no offense is too small to require a suspension. Sharp reprimands are so pre-zero-tolerance. Stemmler has been yanked and let that be a lesson to the rest of you rapscallions.