It’s been a $240 billion roller coaster ride since the federal government began spending big time to soften the economic destruction wreaked by C-19. Call it the Big Spend. Is anybody worried about creating enough debt to last to the year 2100? Then, the prime minister saying that the first shipments of vaccine might arrive in Canada next week. Here’s hoping. Below, the Toronto Sun is soliciting opinion on Toronto’s new vacancy tax on empty homes. Lastly, here’s the man who is the new voice of Bugs Bunny. It’s an unbelievably happy twist of fate for Scarborough’s Eric Bauza.
Popular “Tiny Mayor” raises alarm for future of Green Belt
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David Crombine, the man who won the affection of Toronto voters in the 70s, has resigned from the Ontario Green Belt Council over the government’s changes to how the lands will be administered. Half of the council has resigned with him. Crombie was mayor from 1972 to 1978 and won the widely used title as the City’s “Tiny Perfect Mayor.”
80 households part of UrbanHensTO program
A program inspired by Leaside brothers Andrew and Matthew Patel to keep chickens in City backyards has been renewed for another year by the planning department. The CBC reports Monday that the first year of the pilot, which ends in March, has been extended for another year. More than 230 hens in 80 households have been registered for the program. UrbanHensTO is legal in specified areas, but not Ward 15, where Leaside is located. At present it spans four former City of Toronto wards, based on boundaries set before the province chopped the number of wards in 2018, meaning the program currently applies to some parts of Wards 2, 3, 4, 8, 12, 14, and 19.
First test drive of 2021 Bronco blast from past
And the first test drives of the new Ford Bronco SUV have taken place. The Bronco was an SUV almost before the term was used. When it was discontinued in 1996 it had only two doors but the 2021 Bronco has four.
Three-alarm fire in Downsview homes under construction
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Downsview Park fire/KKTPP @KKTPPKK
A three-alarm fire has ravaged a townhouse complex being built in Downsview near Frederick Tisdale Drive and Downsview Park Boulevard. Fire Chief Matt Pegg tweeted concern about the many collapses occurring as his crews worked to extinguish the fire. The blaze was declared under control shortly before 1 p.m. Video from KKTPP
Collapsing buildings
Industry shock as Warner to stream movies in US on release
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But not in Canada as HBO Max is only available in the US. In Canada the studio’s films will launch theatrically along with other worldwide territories, Warner Bros. Canada said. Nonetheless, the decision seems to signal a profound and possibly permanent new world for movies. It may mean lights out at many movie theatre chains.
Fire at dawn in building under construction at 484 Spadina
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Excitement at College and Spadina/Lucas @kschischang
There was fire at dawn briefly Friday morning on the top floor of a building under construction at 484 Spadina Ave. north of College. The 15-storey building will have retail and rental units. The fire was quickly extinguished and there were no injuries.
Nine medical, community leaders to form vaccine task force
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The Ontario Government has appointed nine citizens to form the C-19 vaccine distribution task force. Notable names are former police chief Mark Saunders and social media advocate Dr. Isaac Bogoch of TGH. Release.
Dr. Dirk Huyer, Ontario’s Chief Coroner and Head of Provincial Outbreak Response
Dr. Homer Tien, trauma surgeon and President and CEO, Ornge
Dr. Maxwell Smith, bioethicist and assistant professor, Western University
Dr. Isaac Bogoch, infectious diseases consultant and internist, Toronto General Hospital
RoseAnne Archibald of Taykwa Tagamou Nation
Dr. Regis Vaillancourt, Director of Pharmacy, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario
Linda Hasenfratz, CEO, Linamar Corporation
Angela Mondou, President and CEO, TECHNATION
Mark Saunders, former Toronto Police Chief
Her lawyers ask US to let Meng go home if she admits guilt
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A peek at century-old House of Commons under renovation
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This is a fascinating peek at the massive rebuilding of Canada’s House of Commons, now 100 years old. It was re-opened in 1920 after a fire destroyed the original confederation era building in 1916. The Peace Tower takes its name from the Treaty of Versailles.
One-lane traffic Saturday between Mt Pleasant and Taunton
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There will be just one lane open on Eglinton Ave between Mt. Pleasant Rd and Taunton Rd. to handle alternating two-way traffic this Saturday. Work to reinstall certain utilities will take place between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Traffic control personnel and/or a Paid Duty Officer will be present during this work.
Bike thefts from shed overnight near McRae and Sutherland
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Thursday morning brings a FB post from a homeowner near McRae Drive and Sutherland Dr about the theft of bicycles from an unlocked shed.
Noon-hour fireball lights sky briefly passing over Toronto
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View from CN Tower camera suddenly….
..is a momentary blinding flash from fireball
Crown to tackle “sane but unable to relate morally” defense
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The Crown began its cross-examination late Wednesday of witnesses in the trial of Alek Minassian, the Yonge St. van attack killer. It will attempt to challenge the highly particularized medical defense that Mr. Minassian, while not insane, suffers from a form of autism that renders him unable to understand the moral consequences of his actions thus rendering him not criminally responsible. The trial is before Justice Anne Molloy without a jury.