It’s Monday but maybe we don’t want to know that. Things seem slow on the roads as holiday downtime pushes into the New Year. It should be fairly dry today with a high of 4. See you on Bayview.
The lovely custom of acknowledging the first baby of the year is a bit tricky when hospitals report that their contenders were one second apart in joining us here in the Toronto area. Mississauga Hospital insists that Alan Wang (seven pounds 10 ounces and ten days overdue) arrived at exactly 12 a.m. on Jan. 1. In York Region, Robert LeClair arrived at Markham Stouffville Hospital as the clock peeped twelve midnight and one second. Such closeness in timing inevitably raises questions about the time-keeping practices in place. Birth time is determined by when the baby crowns and the head is pushed out. But that process is like all child birth — subject to adjustment.
First GTA baby of 2017 reportedly born at 12:00:01 a.m.: At 12:00:01 a.m. on Jan. 1, Robert Leclair became Markham… https://t.co/BPDXpzX3pD
— York Region News (@yorkregionnews) January 1, 2017
Toronto Polar Bear Club’s Annual New Year’s Day Polar Bear Dip, in Support of Habitat for Humanity Greater Toronto Area was held January 1st, 2017 12 noon, Sunnyside Beach Toronto.
The architecture and development news website Urban Toronto reports on a proposal for the corner of Danforth and Byng Aves east of Victoria Park Ave. The site is occupied by a long-standing KFC franchise but now something called Suites of the Danforth is proposed for the corner. Urban Toronto says: “the 6-storey project at 3359 Danforth Avenue offers an aesthetically distinct contribution to the streetscape. An interplay of rigid geometric forms adorns the otherwise sparse exterior. Variably configured glazing reinforces the look, while the base of the façade—which hangs cowl-like above the ground floor—introduces the sole diagonal break from the rectilinear design.” It is a rather odd look to our taste.
The Maple Leafs have beaten the Red Wings 5-4 in overtime to win the Centennial Classic at BMO Field on Sunday evening. Toronto scored early and often to gain a 4 to 1 lead in the exhibition match. But the Wings fought back, tying the game 4-4 with seconds remaining in the third period. Austin Matthews scored his second goal of the game in overtime for the win at Exhibition Place. The Centennial Classic celebrated both the 100th anniversary of the league and the Leafs themselves.
As scheduled, the Wiseys meat pie and pastry shop has closed at 874 Eglinton Ave. E. at Laird. The company has re-directed its business into the wholesale market. It has also changed its name to North Shore Pies. In a two-year period, the Wisey name and savoury pies became a popular feature in South Bayview. Above is the Wisey team in a Bulldog photo in 2014. The entire strip of stores along Eglinton from Sutherland to Laird is now facing changing times as the City proposes to make the block a mid-rise (eight storeys) development zone. The inspiration for this is the Crosstown LRT and the planning department’s grand vision for Eglinton Ave. with many more businesses and residents. That move will be opposed at the Ontario Municipal Board by the Leaside Property Owners Association.
A man was injured in a single car accident at Richmond St. near Parliament St Sunday morning when his car hit a utility pole. Police say he is recovering in hospital. A woman walking nearby was treated for minor injuries caused by broken glass which hit her as the crash occurred.
The dramatic videos below were shot by Jeremy Cohn and Andrew Collins at 86 Forest Heights Blvd. early Sunday where a large home under construction was destroyed by fire. The palatial structure was gutted and fire officials estimate damage to be in the range of $8 to $10 million.
Forest Heights Blvd, North York: House under construction fully involved, high heat felt across the street. 3rd alarm. @Toronto_Fire @TPFFA pic.twitter.com/d79ONDAkBF
— Jeremy Cohn (@JeremyCohnTV) January 1, 2017
VIDEO: @Toronto_Fire continue to battle third alarm fire in large home under construction in the area of Bayview/401 @mrmattpegg @IAFFCanada pic.twitter.com/LOVNy1HptU
— Andrew Collins (@ACollinsPhoto) January 1, 2017
Once again we welcome a newly-named year. Thousands joined together at Nathan Phillips Square to hoot and holler. Maybe some of them had secret thoughts about the future. All our best to you this first morning of 2017.
Happy New Year! Here's the fireworks right at midnight at Nathan Philips Square in Toronto, Canada. #NewYearsEve #canada150 pic.twitter.com/KDYcApUo9G
— Dennis Marciniak (@denMAR) January 1, 2017
Starting to fill up for #NewYearsEve celebrations at City Hall in Toronto. Live on @CBCToronto News at 6 from the party. pic.twitter.com/mYa9n7Uh4Q
— Devin Heroux (@Devin_Heroux) December 31, 2016
Word has come that Le Petit Gourmet restaurant at 1064 Yonge Street in Summerhill will close. The news was conveyed in tweets from neighbor Paul Hahn Piano (below) and from sister blog Yonge and Roxborough News. Le Petit Gourmet has been in business at this location since the 70s
Wishing our friends Christian & Linda from Le Petit Gourmet all the best in their retirement. Thank you. pic.twitter.com/wGTc2C0hHG
— Paul Hahn & Co. (@PaulHahnPianos) December 31, 2016
