This is camp visiting day across Ontario

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Today (July 21, 2012) is Visitor’s Day at kids summer camps across Ontario. In some parts of Toronto, it will seem rather quiet if not absolutely empty as parents head out to see their children. Most camps permit just one visiting day per summer. At one of the largest camps,  White Pine, hours of visiting are strictly monitored  from 1 p.m. (parking) and 2 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. for visiting. It is also a chance for parents to meet the counsellor and section heads who look after the children. Many businesses in town notice the difference in their traffic on Visitor’s Day. 

32 storey condo, 10 townhomes for Erskine

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Tridel and Beaux Properties will build a 32-storey condominium of 420 suites and 10 townhomes on the site known as 101 Erskine (Avenue). In fact, the building will sit between Erskine to the north and Broadway to the south between Yonge and Mt. Pleasant. The parking lot for the present 66 Broadway (owned by Beaux) will be used for the project with parking provided in a new garage. Things will be a little crowded in the interim. The sales centre is still up on Dufferin Street so you can guess the place isn’t going to be built tomorrow. Nonetheless, it’s coming.

331 Sutherland one of many summer re-builds

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They’re especially busy on Sutherland Drive this summer with bungalows coming down and goimg up all along the street. This re-construction is taking place at 331 Sutherland, just north of McRae. The area is nicely mixed with original bungalows and smart looking bump ups. The backhoe was very busy when this was taken shortly after 1 p.m.

Empty talk will not stop the slaughter

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Mayor Ford wants those convicted of gun crimes kept out of Toronto. It’s an enormously difficult concept. Legally impossible many will say. Remember the Charter of Rights and the Supreme Court of Canada. Others will say that it’s just unfair and wrong. Un-Canadian. Perhaps so. But how unfair and wrong is it — how un-Canadian– for innocent children and others to be cut down by flying bullets as they walk outside? Whatever becomes of Mayor Ford’s idea, it’s good to remember that it is born out of the public’s deep frustration at how to stop the criminal disregard for life.  Empty talk and swagger will not do it.  Something more is needed. Or are we prepared to let the gang slaughter go on and on?  Toronto Star 

Late evening mugging near Heath/Yonge

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Toronto Police Service report: A 36 year old female reports that on July 17, 2012 at approximately 2330 hours she was in the area of Heath Street and Yonge Street when she was approached from behind by two male suspects. One of the suspects made a demand for the victim’s cellular phone and indicated that he was armed, although no weapon was seen. The victim surrendered her phone and the suspects fled the scene eastbound on Heath Street. No injuries were sustained by the victim. Police are requesting the assistance of the public in identifying the following described persons in connection with this offence. Description of Suspect #1: Male, black, 19 to 25 years, 5’8”, thin build. Suspect #2: Male, black, 19 to 25 years, 5’10”, thin build.

Hardware store space for rent on South Bayview

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Is South Bayview going to be  a street without a hardware store? There’s a For Rent  sign on the window of the last such business on the street at 1615. The property is owned by the family that ran the store for many years and who recently rented the north half to the Yeh! Yogurt franchise. Now it appears they are looking for a tenant to take over the south half. There is of course a very good Home Hardware in the Sunybrook Plaza for those who  prefer not to wander the caverns of Home Depot. 

“We love you Kelly” for convicted G20 rioter

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“We love you Kelly” rang out in court from friends as G20 rioter Kelly Pflug-Back was sentenced to 15 months in jail for her leadership in wrecking public and private property during the downtown riots. Justice John McMahon excoriated Pflug-Back for her unrepentant stance in the wake of her conviction. She was found guilty of wearing a disguise, intimidation, obstructing police and seven counts of mischief exceeding $5,000. During the G20 rampage, Pflug-Back instructed black bloc rioters to damage and torch three police cruisers and break the glass of five downtown stores. Court heard that the actions of Pflug-Back and her black bloc friends total $160,000 to property and the loss of business that resulted from the damages.

Cast of 100s shoot Toyota spot on Bayview

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It certainly seemed like hundreds anyway. The tents, trailers and tripods stretched from Riz to past Parallele Interiors on the north end. The actual shooting was in the interior of the quaint old Leo’s Barber Shop near Smokin’ Cigar. Apparently it has an appeal suitable to the theme of the latest Toyota commercial. (No Toyotas in sight, incidentally) Below left, many happy people hanging out in the Riz patio. Customers or Extras? Script persons or production assistants? The warehouse of equipment (below right) is stashed under a tent in the door of the now vacant store once occupied by Groms.