The South Bayview Bulldog

Canadian women whoop it after finishing first/CBC

The Canadian women’s eight rowing team captured its first gold medal in nearly 20 years at the Tokyo Olympics Friday. Canada dominated right out of the gate, with silver medalists New Zealand unable to catch them and lagging more than a second behind throughout the race. China managed to edge out Australia for the bronze. The women are Lisa Roman, Kasia Gruchalla-Wesierski, Christine Roper, Andrea Proske, Susanne Grainger, Madison Mailey, Sydney Payne, Avalon Wasteneys and Kristen Kit. Video of them getting their medals is seen below.

Bumps force drivers to approach crosswalk at right angle/Toronto

The City has included the corner of Mt. Pleasant Rd. and Merton Ave in a pilot project that will see eight corners with left-turn rubber speed bumps. The intention is to stop drivers from turning diagonally through the intersection. The bumps make the turn safer because cars must approach pedestrian crossings at right angles. Left turns account for many pedestrian deaths and injuries. The City release says the left-turn bumps have lowered such accidents in New York City and Washington.

Pedestrian death of December 2014

Many residents will recall the pedestrian death at Mt. Pleasant and Merton in December 2014. The corner is tricky because eastbound traffic approaches the corner at a steep grade which obscures people and other cars. Full release

There’s been a brazen bike theft at Bayview Ave and Millwood Rd. As is often the case, the thief left behind another bicycle, possibly stolen. Bike theft is rampant across the City and readers discuss the evolving protocol of what to do at Leaside Community. Bicycles continue to be unlicensed and largely unregistered mainly at the preference of cyclists.

Stella stolen off street

A dog thief chatted with the owner of pet American Bulldog mix Stella before he suddenly pushed the owner and fled with her pet in his minivan. The theft took place Tuesday morning near Woodbine Ave and Lakeshore Blvd. The woman, 36, was walking her dog when the man engaged in a conversation with a man. He is described as having a tanned complexion, 5’4″ to 5’5″, 150 lbs., clean-shaven, with dark brown clean cut hair. He spoke with an accent. The vehicle is described as a newer style minivan, possibly grey or beige. The dog is described as a six year old, female American Bulldog Pitbull mix, grey in colour, with white fur on her chest and in between her eyes, and stands two feet tall. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5500, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637).

A group of individuals and organizations speaking as advocates for the homeless has issued a public letter calling for the legalization of park encampments. The authors, numbering more than 70, demand the repeal of bylaws “criminalizing people” who reside in parks (presumably any park) until “they leave on their own terms to permanent housing they deem safe and accessible”. The letter also demands the immediate resignation of the mayor for efforts to clear the encampments.

It’s a long way from home but Canadian Micheal Woods in Tokyo got heartfelt good wishes from his wife Elly in Ottawa after finishing fifth in the men’s road race. “I love you sweetie” beats a gold medal every time.

Canada expected to win four gold medals

A global data company is projecting that Canada will walk away from the Tokyo Olympic games with 21 medals. In a virtual medal table, Gracenote projects that Canada will win four gold, eight silver and nine bronze medals, coming in 15th place. Gracenote is a data and technology company that provides sports, music and video metadata to entertainment services and companies.

Maggie MacNeil felt no pressure

Canadian gold medal winner Maggie McNeil has told CTV that she felt very little pressure as she swam her way to victory in the women’s 100-metre butterfly at the Tokyo Olympics.

Police and neighbours at home on Kevin Cres in Burlington

A one-year-old girl has been pulled from a backyard pool in Burlington and is said to be in critical condition in hospital. The call came Sunday afternoon to a home on Kevin Cres.

Lost medicine harmful if ingested

Toronto Police have issued an alert about a quantity of lost medication near Kennedy Rd. and Eglinton Avenue East. The medication is described as Clonazepan (0.5mg/30 pills) and Lyrica-pregabalin (150mg/80 pills). The medication could be harmful or fatal if ingested, especially to children.

The Weather Network is predicting rain for Toronto on Saturday and stormy conditions across the province’s southwest. It says a front will slide into the Great Lakes region ahead of which will be “upper-level energy”. As a result, there will be a widespread storm threat to much of the southern region. It offers the possibility of tornado conditions.