Good story about the background of Abdul Zehaf-Bibeau including a feeling among many who knew him that he was mentally disturbed. An acquaintance said he apparently wanted to go to Libya to study. In recent hours Canadian security sources have told media that Zehaf-Bibeau wanted to go to Syria and fight with ISIS. He was denied a passport. Globe and Mail
Talk and listen to your children to allay fears
by •
It’s part of good parenting to talk to your children but the events in Ottawa this week will require this important duty be done with an effort to monitor how kids are feeling. Children are able to sort out the reality here and it may have a profound impact on their sense of just how safe they, how safe the family is Sandra Mendlowitz is a clinical psychologist in the anxiety disorders program at the Hospital for Sick Children. She sugests parents talk to children with the intent of getting them to talk and of listening to what they say. Words of reasonable and realistic reassurance can be helpful even if they can’t make the terrible truth go away. She says: “Find out what they’re worried about. Find out what they know. Because sometimes parents assume kids know things that they actually don’t know.”
134 Leacrest Road. sells for $1,865,000
by •
A bidding war just after Thanksgiving is said to have increased the paying price on Leacrest Road, which is south of Southvale on the peak of the heights over the valley. Parts of the street are within siight of the Loblaws on Moore Ave. Globe and Mail
John Tory comfortably ahead in Monday poll
by •
Forum Research has finished a poll within hours which projects that John Tory has a solid lead in the campaign to become mayor. As Forum puts it, forty-three per cent of the voters who participated said they had voted for, intended to vote for or were leaning toward voting for Tory if the election had been held Monday (October 20, 2014). That compared to 29 per cent for Ford and 25 per cent for Chow.
Terrorists will find no safe haven PM tells nation
by •
The prime minister has called today’s one-man terrorist attack on a Canadian soldier and the House of Commons a “grim reminder” of the intention of some to intimidate the country. Speaking briefly from an unannounced location, Mr. Harper said: “We will not be intimidated.” He said such attacks will cause Canada to re-double its efforts against terrorism and promised: “They will find no safe haven.”
Prime minister delays scheduled speech to country
by •
Prime Minster Harper has delayed remarks which he had previously said would be made by 7.45 p.m. It appears the prime minister is dealing with unfolding events just as is everyone else and they have caused him to defer his words to the nation.
Sergeant at Arms Kevin Vickers hailed as hero in shootout
by •
He is the imposing figure with the mace who is seen during ceremonial openings of the Commons. But guess what? He also carries a gun and today Kevin Vickers is being lauded as the man who saved many lives by shooting down the armed intruder on Parliament Hill. His full name is Kevin Michael Vickers and he is a veteran RCMP officer. Now he is the 9th Sergeant of Arms of the House of Commons. Mr. Vickers was born on September 29, 1956 and it is not clear whether he sustained a wound in the process of dealing with the intruder. He has since mailed word that he is “okay”. MPs of all parties are tweeting and mailing thanks to and about Mr. Vickers. In 2009 Vickers was honoured by the Association of Progressive Muslims of Canada, for his “long outstanding service to” Canada, and for his “efforts to promote bias-free policing and diversity in the workplace”.
Video captures gunfire exchange in Parliament
by •
Footage from Globe and Mail reporter captures exchange of gun fire in Parliament Hill building, Ottawa. Story below.
Wednesday morning accident on Laird Drive
by •
The TTC diverted the 56 Leaside from its normal route on Laird Drive to a southbound detour via Markham Ave, Randolph Ave and Kenrae Drive due to a collision on Laird between Markham and Esandar Drive. A picture talen by Dave Sparrow, candidate in Ward 26, shows an SUV piled into the concrete planter that divide Laird at that point. The bus diversion has since been ended.
Storage Horrors! Woman charged in 6 deaths
by •
Costco high on agenda at LPOA Ward 26 debate
by •
Costco was high on the agenda at the Ward 26 candidates debate Tuesday night. Chairman Brian Athey asked the four contenders where they stood on the plan to build a Costco store and gas bar on Overlea Blvd. Ishrath Velshi and David Sparrow gave unequivocal answers. Ms. Velshi offered concerns about traffic but in the end she said: “I do support the Costco project.” She noted the “poverty level of 40%” in Thorncliffe Park and echoed that community’s interest in the good-paying jobs that would be created. Mr. Sparrow spoke from his base when he expressed clear opposition. He cited studies which suggest the store and gas bar would draw some 300,000 vehicles a month to Overlea Blvd. Traffic has become the rallying cry of those opposed to the development. John Parker, the two-term incumbent, said traffic seemed the most critical test the development would face. “I don’t see it passing the traffic test,” he said. Jon Burnside noted both the poverty in Thorncliffe and the need for development. He said he would like to “sever off the gas bar” from the project as it drew the most vehicles. Nonetheless, he seemed to follow the position of the current council — to wait until traffic studies are done before deciding to support the project. The expansion of Toronto Island Airport also drew a mix of answers with Ms Velshi leaving the door open. “We do not have the information.” John Parker and Dave Sparrow were unlikely island parkland soul mates in firmly opposing an enlarged airport with jets. Mr. Burnside answered briefly by saying that he was “against the position as it stands.” He supported Parker and Sparrow. The near standing-room-only crowd at the William Lea Room heard Parker and Burnside spar throughout the evening. Burnside ticked off Parker for his 2010 support of Rob Ford. Burnside noted that he had been endorsed by John Tory. Mr. Parker said he had supported David Soknacki but was prepared to work with John Tory even though he had “paid a price” for telling Tory about concerns with the SmartTrack plan. There was a stand-alone question to Burnside on how he would be a full-time member of council with a business to run. He suggested the ready-made meals business will be sold. Responses to a question about traffic on Laird Drive saw a heated response to Mr. Parker’s observation that there was going to be traffic on Laird no matter what was done. There were shouts from the audience and one man was heard to say “insulting.” The debate ranged across air traffic noise, conservation and heritage legislation, bicycle lanes and the future of the business park. The debate was sponsored by the Leaside Property Owners Association. Photo l-r Jon Burnside, John Parker, David Sparrow, Ishrath Velshi. (Courtesy Rudy Limeback)