The South Bayview Bulldog

Dalhousie University is putting the dentistry school scandal behind it. The men who posted or condoned the obscene material have apologized to the women in question and have had their apologies accepted. Much if the process seems vague and perhaps it is intended to be that way. But details of the callous process by which such things were publicly stated are interesting. The report concludes that the so-called Gentlemen’s Club in 2011 was created as a bonding exercise but that it turned offensive over the more than three years it existed. “Members sought to ‘one up’ each other in ways that were frequently crude in nature and aimed at shock value,” says the 70-page report. “(It) became a place to vent frustrations, often in unhealthy and at times extremely offensive ways.”  The investigation found there were perceptions among participating students that racist, misogynistic and homophobic behaviour were not adequately handled, amid rumours of favouritism and un-professionalism. One phenomenon on campus will seem alien to most people who attended university in Canada.  A student lounge at the school called “the Cavity,” had walls scrawled with racist, homophobic and sexist graffiti dating back to the 1990s. Students also signed their names and date of graduation next to the comments.

Reuters 

The NDP says it will restore home mail delivery if it wins the federal election this fall Alexandre Boulerice, the NDP’s post office critic, says a New Democrat government would terminate the phase-out plan and restore service to those households that have already lost their home mail delivery. The Canada Post plan to eliminate home delivery has seen dozens of local skirmishes with city and taxpayers as well as a national legal challenge by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers. Hamilton is in a furious legal battle with Canada Post to stop the installation of so-called super mailboxes. A group of Montreal-area mayors has joined the court challenge against the phase-out of home delivery.

The South Bayview weekend is going to be wonderful with sunny skies and temperatures in the low to mid 20s. The Northlea United Church “Items of Interest Sale” is on Saturday morning at 125 Brentcliffe Rd. And the yard sale season has begun. It will be easy to find one your neighborhood. On past experience, we can recommend the yard sale at 30 Bessborough Drive which will be held Saturday morning. The Bonnie Byford site notes another — 58 Divadale starting at 8 a.m. Wow, will there be door crashers? There will be plenty of Rookieball this weekend involving Leaside teams. The Reds are competing in the Wexford Agincourt Spring Tournament. Let’s Play Ball. How about a peek inside some local points of interest? This is the annual Doors Open Toronto weekend. The new Branksome Hall Wellness and Athletic Centre is a marvel to see and it is on the open list. Check your options with times and locations here. Doors Open sites around South Bayview  Many will wish to get out onto South Bayview for shopping. The new Ron White shoe store is set to open Saturday.

Councilor Jon Burnside says he is working toward a “fully-functioning community centre” which he would like to see located in a re-named Leaside Park, just off Overlea Blvd near Millwood Rd. He has reviewed the high percentage of young people in this largely immigrant neighborhood. As much as 26 percent of the population is said to be under the age of 14. Thorncliffe Park needs more attention, the councillor says. The Jenner Jean-Marie Community Centre is housed in the same building as the Thornclffie Public Library at 48 Thorncliffe Park. It is always busy as is the seemingly quite dynamic Valley Park Middle School at 130 Overlea Blvd. Its cricket field is an enormous attraction. No doubt more could be done but it must be said the young people of Thorncliffe Park seem by and large to be a credit to the community.  The Councillor correctly says however that it is essential that the City provide sufficient programs and facilities to engage our youth. He asked that those with suggestions for a name for Leaside Park call his office at 416-392-0215. All ideas will  be considered.