Mayor Tory focussed not so much on the continuing illegality of UberX operation but rather on the clear risks and inconvenience represented in the taxi drivers demonstration. The drivers seems to think that the police department can stop UberX. The mayor pleaded with demonstrators to stand down. But was he speaking to them and those who believe UberX is runing roughshopd over the City? It seems an open question.
In a place where even the head the new Duke Heights BIA admits his area has a “spotty reputation” the re-branding of this North York neighborhood may be just what is needed. Wags were suggesting Duke of Earl Heights would really lift the image of the industrial reaches ranging between Dufferin and Keele Streets It worked for Gene Chandler. Duke Heights locals are investing a lot of hope in transit projects coming to this sprawling area of workshops, warehouses and low-end retail. Ward 8 Councillor Anthony Perruzza has told CBC News the name change is only the beginning of what is to come for the neighbourhood with major projects on the way including the nearly completed extension of the Yonge-University subway line, the construction of the Finch West LRT beginning in 2016 and the main rail line west. It has Mr. Peruzza thinking his ward might become the transportation centre of the GTA. Duke, Duke, Duke, Duke of Earl.
Elgie House seen with one of the new homes that will flank it.
The mediation in 2014 that resolved whether there would be new homes on the cul-de-sac of Bessborough Drive required that the pioneer Elgie House be located on the very spot where it was built 130 years ago. This bit of heritage punctilio was at first used to try to prevent the construction of homes by builder Matthew Garnet. The result of the saw-off, put together at the OMB, can be seen today as work proceeds on the new homes which will flank the old brick homestead. For the new occupant of Elgie House (to be determined) it will mean the backyard is in the front yard. It seems quite unlikely the sensitive placement of the house will mean much to anyone else. It is a nice thing that Elgie House remains with us, however.
Michael Connelly
Michael Connelly will be at Sleuth for a brief appearance tomorrow (Thursday, December 10) from Noon to 1 p.m. He will be promoting his latest novel, number 20 in the Harry Bosch series. This one is called the Crossing ($34). Sleuth of Baker Street is at 907 Millwood Road at Sutherland Drive. (416) 483-3111. Mr. Connelly is an American author of crime fiction notably those featuring LAPD Detective Bosch (Hieronymus “Harry” Bosch) and criminal defense attorney Mickey Haller. Connelly’s books have been translated into 39 languages and have won him many awards. Michael Connelly was the President of the Mystery Writers of America from 2003 to 2004
Many people are enjoying the apparent El Niño warmth of today’s weather. There is more to come as the Weather Channel forecasts a warm weekend. There is a downside as it becomes harder to keep outdoor rinks open.
A brief mention on Twitter notes that Leaside Wildcats forward Cynthia Cavanagh has committed to play for the University of Waterloo Warriors in 2016-17. Cynthia is a prolific scorer having accumulated ten goals in her 51 games with the Wildcats since she joined the team in 2014.
Stephen Poloz
What is a negative interest rate? It sounds scary to many people. But the Governor of the Bank of Canada, Stephen Poloz, is musing about it publicly. One account online runs this way:
“During deflationary periods, people and businesses hoard money instead of spending and investing. The result is a collapse in aggregate demand which leads to prices falling even farther, a slowdown or halt in real production and output, and an increase in unemployment. A loose or expansionary monetary policy is usually employed to deal with such economic stagnation. However, if deflationary forces are strong enough, simply cutting the central bank’s interest rate to zero may not be sufficient to stimulate borrowing and lending. negative interest rate means the central bank and perhaps private banks will charge negative interest: instead of receiving money on deposits, depositors must pay regularly to keep their money with the bank. This is intended to incentivize banks to lend money more freely and businesses and individuals to invest, lend, and spend money rather than pay a fee to keep it safe.”
All guys are invited to the 12th Annual Leaside Guys Night Out Toy Drive at the Leaside Pub, Laird and McRae, Thursday, December 10, 2015. The toy drive is in aid of the children of Flemingdon Park and Thorncliffe Park. Everyone is encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy or $20 to attend. There is a 50/50 draw and raffle prizes as well as a live auction with the prize of a dinner for eight from Andy Elder’s Grilltime. Worth looking in.
Residents of Inglewood Drive in Moore Park are celebrating their parade of the Santas again this year and now they have linked the spectacle with a street party and food drive to be held Sunday, December 13, from 4 to 6 p.m. This year the Santawood/Inglewood have obtained a permit to turn part of Inglewood into a pedestrian walk. The plan calls for food trucks, hot chocolate, street hockey and of course the street’s many giant inflatable Santas. The food drive aims at a target of 300 lbs for the food bank, as well as a clothing drive for Syrian refugees. If you’re able to come by please bring a donation.
New Circles Community Services at 161 Bartley Drive in East York is offering to assist Syrian refugees access to its gently-used clothing program. The charity, which is widely known for its prom clothing event for young people in Flemingdon Park, says the new arrivals can pick out their own clothing at the organization’s free department store. “They can come here twice a year for the next two years, and pick up clothing spring, summer, fall, winter to make sure their needs and their families’ needs are met,” New Circles executive director Alykhan Suleman told CBC Toronto News. CBC
Thousands of cabbies will converge on Queen’s Park Wednesday morning to protest the apparently illegal daily operation of Uber Taxi. It may make driving downtown a little difficult. As many as 2000 drivers from across the GTA are expected to meet at four points across Toronto and make their way to both Queen’s Park and City Hall. Drivers are demanding that politicians enforce city bylaws. The city is working on new rules that will reduce regulations for the taxi industry and introduce regulations for ride sharing services like Uber. That’s expected in next year some time but in the meantime the taxi industry is calling on city hall to enforce the current bylaw, which Mayor John Tory has said means that Uber is operating “outside of the law.” The protest will begin at 7:30 a.m. with drivers meeting at Yonge and Queen’s Quay, 427 and Rexdale Blvd, Victoria Park and Sheppard, and Yonge and Steeles. Drivers have been advised by the iTaxiworkers Association to keep moving and not deliberately slow traffic, but with so many extra vehicles in the already congested core, the demonstration is sure to have an impact on local traffic.
The busy hard-luck corner of Moore Ave and Mt Pleasant Rd. has seen mild distress Tuesday morning as an apparent driverless car proceeded into the intersection and “got hung up on a curb” in the language of Toronto Police operations. No injuries are reported and police are on the scene. This is the intersection where homes on Mt. Pleasant are constantly in jeopardy of being hit by errant vehicles because of the high-speed traffic and narrow sidewalks and lawns.
WILD AND CRAZY BAYVIEW AND EG
TPS Ops is also reporting a minor car and bus collision at Bayview Ave.and Eglinton Ave Tuesday. This is entirely predictable at our Wild and Crazy where-do-I-go LRT intersection.
