The following post appeared in March 2011 and has had much positive response: The pestilence of parking tickets seems to be with us for good, but there are rules. The Toronto Police Service has established a few directives for parking officers. In regular legal hours (i.e not rush hour) officers are supposed to permit a ten minute grace period. If anyone gets a ticket within less than ten minutes after the expiry time, call the TPS. We’re told the ticket will be annulled. The number is (416) 808-2222. On July 11, 2011 during its last meeting of the summer, City Council voted to implement the ten minute grace for all time-restricted parking offences, excluding major arterial routes during rush hour periods (rush hour periods are defined from Monday to Friday from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Previously, the grace period had been five minutes. It continues to be true that unless the parking officer has actually slapped the ticket on your windshield, or handed it to you, no proper service has occurred. In other words, if you can drive away before the ticket is served, you will not be responsible for it. Shockingly, certain anti-due process types at City Hall under the old regime wanted to eliminate this right in law and declare you guilty regardless. Thank Heavens that hasn’t happened yet.
New $20 “Vimy” bill at Sunnybrook Hospital
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There have been three attempts to counterfeit the new Canadian polymer bills, the Bank of Canada has revealed. The information came at an event yesterday at Sunnybrook Hospital veterans wing where the bank was introducing the new $20 bill with the WW I Vimy Memorial on the back. The forgeries are crude, it is said, and easy to detect. A public information campaign is underway to explain new security features on the notes, including see-through holographic images on the front. The polymer current was invented in Australia and introduced there in 1988. It is now produced by 30 countries.
Here are the Liberal leadership contenders so far
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The field for the Ontario Liberal leadership stands at an official four. There are still some types hiding in the grass, but these four can be called the contenders. Left to right: Former Immigration Minister Charles Sousa, former Colleges and Universities Minister Glen Murray, former Municipal Affairs Minister Kathleen Wynne and one-time cabinet minister and now an outsider Sandra Pupatello. Many prospective candidates have dropped out but Gerard Kennedy is still undeclared either way. Kennedy is no stranger to leadership races, losing out to Premier Dalton McGuinty in the leadership election of 1996. He is also now out of office. And it appears than an announcement is imminent from MPP Eric Hoskins, who represents the Toronto riding of St. Paul’s. Dr Hoskins is a family physician who was until a few days ago the Minister of Children and Youth Services.
Florence Carter receives a Diamond Jubilee Medal
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Florence Carter of Leaside has been given a high honour in the form of a Diamond Jubilee Medal. Ms. Carter, 85, received the honour for her long years of work on behalf of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) where she was an educator. She lost her sight at the age of 16. This signal tribute occurred recently at the 2012 Braille Conference and is the subject of a story in Inside.Toronto.
How the Scenic has grown on Eglinton
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The Scenic on Eglinton is scheduled to be completed next year and the units have been for sale for a long time. Montage on the left is from May, 2011 while tie right frame shows the same spot on Aerodrome Crescent today.
Suzuki Canada will continue to sell cars
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Suzuki Canada says that it will carry on selling cars and trucks in Canada even though its U.S., counterpart has declared bankruptcy. There was widespread belief that the Canadian company would follow U.S. Suzuki in the face of regulations and stiff competition. But a statement released this week by Suzuki Canada said it has no plans to discontinue new automobile sales in Canada, nor of entering any sort of court-supervised bankruptcy restructuring, as American Suzuki has done.
Investigating “sinkhole” in the Moore Park ravine
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Homefront window brings golden glow to season
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A true sign of the season is the new Christmas window installed yesterday at Homefront, 371 Eglinton Ave W. Fans of her work will recognize the elegant style of Franca Panetta, who designs much of the display work at Homefront and who is frequently on hand to greet customers. This year superb gifts for your table top are ensconced in a gold window with accents of anthracite in both the backdrop and inventory. (416) 488-3189. Larger picture at Trish Stuebing DiaryFormer Liberal minister Robert Kaplan dead at 75
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Wynne launches Liberal Party leadership bid
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Suzuki will stop selling cars in United States
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Suzuki Motor Corporation has announced that it will be filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the U.S. seeking protection and eventually ending auto sales in the U.S.. Following a review of its current position and future opportunities in the U.S. automotive market Suzuki said will wind down and discontinue new automobile sales The Company has determined the best path to achieve this realignment in an efficient and orderly manner is to restructure its operations under Chapter 11. Suzuki’s U.S. sales for the year through October totaled 21,188 vehicles, down 5 percent from the same period last year.St. Cuthbert’s Christmas Fair this Saturday
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The St. Cuthbert’s Fabulous Christmas Fair will be held this Saturday, November 10, 2012 beginning at 11 am. As usual, there will be great shopping opportunities with treasures, jewellery, baking and toys. There will be a yummy lunch too. The Silent Auction with contributions from local merchants is a big draw.