Don’t complain about Toronto subway flooding ever again. Look at the roaring Niagara thundering through the New York subway last night after a water main break. Then there is the people sitting in the train. We thought this was supposed to make the trains into killer lightning rods. But no injuries apparently.
Members present at the first meeting of the new business improvement area on South Bayview Ave. have voted to name their body the Bayview Leaside Business Improvement Area (BIA). The first general meeting of the new body was sparsely attended on this wet and cold Wednesday night. There were 28 members present in a large room at Leaside United Church containing in total perhaps 50 people. They included members of the public, City officials and the media. A sometimes meandering discussion of names led to a list of 13 suggestions including South Bayview. In December this name received 80 percent of votes in an online poll opposite the name Bayview Leaside (the name chosen Wednesday).
At the meeting, members were provided with options such as Davisville Leaside, South Bayview Village and Shops of South Bayview. Someone suggested Town of Leaside BIA but this idea was disqualified on the recommendation of Michael Saunders, of the City Economic Development Office. In the end, Bayview Leaside received 17 votes out of the total of 28, with the remaining eleven scattered among the other names. South Bayview received no votes.
The new BIA’s Board of Management was nominated to City Council in one vote from a slate of members who stood to offer themselves: They are Stephen Betts, manager of the Canada Trust TD Bank, Grant Allardyce, the Source Menswear, Trae Zammit, Smokin’ Cigar, Deborah Kuchme, Pagnello’s Antiques, Stanley Janecek, White House Meats, Simon Hanlon, McSorley’s Saloon and David Illiatovitch-Owen, de le mer fresh fish. It was explained by Mr. Saunders that the members now nominated will be confirmed at the pleasure of City Council and all being well, will serve a period of about three years and six months. That would coincide with the end of the term of City Council in 2018.
The proposed tentative budget of the BIA was approved at some $190,300 with preliminary provisions for such things as accommodation, part time staff (one) and early embellishments to the street like flowers. The meeting was reminded of the $25,000 in funds ear-marked for a Bayview BIA by the Leaside Property Owners Association (LPOA). These are funds obtained as a partial settlement from the SmartCentres Corporation for desisting in opposition to the so-called “Walmart Plaza” now under construction between Vanderhoof Ave. and Wicksteed Ave. east of Laird Drive
Councillor John Burnside was present and spoke briefly and Chloe Richer, constituency assistant to Councilor Josh Matlow also spoke on Mr. Matlow’s behalf. He had a previous commitment. Also present was Ray Gork, of the Leaside Paint Centre and Paul Carreira of Carreira Casuals.
It is a crime that just reeks of Britain and all the tall tales of theft and the sinister “inside jobs” that produced dozens of movies. How much was taken? Heavens knows. The safety box holders don’t have to tell anyone and in fact they may cringe at the thought the government might learn what they were hiding. Here the estimable Martin Brunt of SKY News has the story. All leads
The first meeting of the South Bayview BIA will be held tonight (Wednesday, April 8, 2015) at Leaside United Church.
This brief video (with sirens be warned) catches the flavour of a short visit to Bayview Ave Wednesday between Millwood Rd. and Belsize Drive. There was a smell detected that might have signalled fire but such was not the case. Trucks cleared almost immediately. Occasionally the aroma of the fresh Montreal style bagels cooking over the wood fire at the The Bagel House will prompt a moment of panic (and not just that we will eat two instead of one).
Karen Anne Duff
This obituary was published February 28, 2015, in the Toronto Star –Ed. It is with profound shock and sadness that we announce the sudden loss of Karen, at the age of 58, after a brief illness due to a rare and aggressive cancer on February 21, 2015. Devoted wife of Graeme for 34 years, loving mother and tireless advocate for Cameron (Cam) and the late Emily (Emmy), beloved daughter of Ken and Judy Gillis, dear sister to Nancy (Bruce), Sandy (Mike) and Scott (Emma), caring aunt and loyal friend. After graduating from the University of Western Ontario, Karen began a promising career in banking at the Bank of Montreal. When it became apparent that Cam required more support, she gave up her business career without hesitation. She worked tirelessly to address Cameron’s many needs and provided him with her love and unwavering dedication. Over the years that followed, Karen threw her dogged determination and boundless love into supporting Emmy through her medical challenges. Her persistence and attentiveness ensured that Emmy got the best possible care throughout her journey. More importantly, she gave Emmy the wings to become a resilient and compassionate young woman who, like her mother, never complained about the inequities of life. Karen was a devoted volunteer and supported a variety of causes including Centennial Infant and Child Centre, Variety Village, Canadian Association for Riding for the Disabled and Northlea United Church. Despite the many challenges life threw at her, Karen always found time for others. Friends and family enjoyed the results of Karen’s talents in the kitchen. She loved to read and was constantly ready with book titles or information tidbits.
Day One of the trial of Mike Duffy on charges of fraud and bribery has begun in Ottawa to much excitement and speculation. But there has been nothing new so far as the Crown and defense present their cases. Click picture for all leads Photo CBC
