The Bulldog

Planner touts grass for LRT tracks beyond Brentcliffe

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Chief planner Jennifer Keesmaat is touting her scheme for grass between the train tracks on the above-ground portion of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT. That would be nice, especially if it works. Today Keesmaat tweeted pictures of how it is done in Paris where such rights-of-way exist. In articles online they call the green stuff turf. Astroturf? Apparently not as they also installed sprinkler systems. It’s not unknown. In the past, as in the New Orleans antique line (below) there was grass. But it is hard to keep it from turning to mud  as the photo shows. In her tweet, the planner says “This (Paris) is our design for Eglinton — and they said it couldn’t be done!”

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Paris tramway grass would make a landscaper green (ahem) with envy

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New Orleans antiques a tourist attraction but grass is under pressure

Remarkable claim for builder interest at Yonge and Eglinton

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There is enormous interest no doubt generated by that transit mega hub to be built where subway and LRT meet. Towers already announced make some wonder if we know what we are doing.

ISIL taught kids math by making them count corpses

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As Iraqi forces push into Mosul and other ISIL areas the evil nature this movement has a seemingly endless capacity to shock us. Children now liberated from ISIL “school” say they were taught to count by adding up dead bodies. In Memphis, Tennessee a heart-rending operation has been carried out to separate Nigerian twin girls born joined with what appears to be a common abdomen. Reports are guarded on their future and indeed a lot of further surgery and prosthetic limbs seem likely if they survive. And in Oakville, the new president of Ford Motor Company of Canada is about to arrive from Detroit. He is Mark Buzzell. His predecessor, Dianne Craig, who served in this role for the past five years, will move to a senior position is U.S. sales. The appointment is effective Jan. 1, 2017.

Ford Canada’s Dianne Craig and Mark Buzzell

 

Toys for Tots kicks off at CTC in Eglinton Town Centre

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Toys for Tots kicked off Thursday morning (November 17) at the Canadian Tire in the Eglinton Town Centre at 1901 Eglinton Avenue East near Pharmacy. Members of the Toronto Police Service 54 Division in partnership with Canadian Tire staff will aim to raise at least $10,000 last year in support of 600 families in the local and surrounding divisions.  For the next five weeks, this Canadian Tire location will be accepting new, unwrapped toys, as well as Canadian Tire money and cash donations. The total amount of gifts received will be matched by Canadian Tire and then donated to local charitable organizations that support families in need.

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Police horse Royal Sun put down after disabling injury

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Faithful police horse Royal Sun has died after suffering a painful and disabling injury during duty in the Entertainment District.  Royal Sun was 16 when he tore a major ligament near his leg, causing a leg bone to twist and shatter. He was taken immediately to equine hospital but after analyzing X-rays and a discussion of all options, a decision was taken to put down the noble steed. Royal sun was by all accounts a fun-loving animal.  Officers would hear rustling from the barn and know the horse was wandering the aisles, usually en route to the hay stack.

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Toronto Police Service stalwart Royal Sun

 

Tyke action on Bert F. Grant pad inspires motherly pride

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Tax on empty homes dismays Vancouver owners, investors

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Vancouver Council has voted to place a tax on empty homes as a way of easing the rental accommodation shortage in the City. The tax, one percent year of assessed value, has stunned elderly people who keep a home for seasonal use. It is the first such tax of its kind in living memory in Canada. Three councillors voted against the motion but a majority prevailed with the mayor, Gregor Robertson, an enthusiastic advocate. Council hopes that the tax will prompt more property owners to rent out their units and increase the city’s rental stock. Vancouver’s rental vacancy rate is currently 0.6 per cent.

Renovated Manor Road United Open House Dec. 10/11

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Bayview Leaside BIA Annual General Meeting tonight

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Donegall eyesore finally torn down, new foundation dug

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The rotting eyesore at 73 Donegall Drive has finally been torn down. A new home is being built. The former structure was found to be in violation of height restrictions by Committee of Adjustment. The frame has stood for more than two years as testament both to the toughness of residents on the subject of height and to disregard by builders who essentially abandon property

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CBC: Trustee Gershon apologizes for cell game gaff

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Gerri Gershon, public school trustee for Ward 13 (Don Valley West) has apologized for playing Scrabble on her smartphone during a parents meeting at John Fisher School, according to the CBC. Ms Gershon was photographed by a parent who said he had to leave the meeting he was so annoyed. The CBC says Gershon apologized Wednesday for what she called a “momentary lapse in judgment.”  The trustee is quoted: “While I was listening to members of the community during the entirety of last’s night’s meeting, I obviously should have been listening more intently and for that I truly apologize.”  The meeting was held to discuss a contentious plan to build an apartment tower next to the school at 40 Erskine Ave near Yonge St.

Jerry Howarth to have surgery for prostate cancer

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Radio voice of the Blue Jays says a small tumour found by MRI. CBC