Residents disgruntled after Wicksteed meeting

by  • 

70 Wicksteed development has an odd “Salamander”shape. 

The aftermath of the meeting to discuss the Wicksteed Ave development has left some ratepayers disappointed. Paddy Duncan of Leaside Unite has written to say some of those present feel that Councillor Parker is not been sufficiently supportive of the community’s opposition. She stresses the conditional nature of Official Plan which says that it may allow retail big box in the area. For his part, Mr. Parker says on his website that  his ability to oppose the development is limited because the plan permits big boxes and because there are already such stores in operation. In any case, the residents are determined to pursue their opposition. They have formed a working group with representatives from the LPOA, Leaside Unite, the Leaside Business Park Association and Bayview business owner. They hope to meet with Councillor Parker and City staff very soon in the hopes of finding a way forward.

Offer on 1560 South Bayview is a sub lease

by  • 

Our post below about the downstairs space at Bayview and Belsize has yielded mail from a reader. It appears that the former tenant of the 2,600 square foot premises, 7-11 stores, is still paying the rent many years after it closed an outlet there,. This seems clear because, as our reader has clarified, the place is advertised as a sub-lease. The term is two years and the asking rate is $32 (net) with additional rent of $22.82 per square foot. 

Rosedale MP shocks party with his decision

by  • 

Bob Rae has shocked his Liberal Party caucus and much of Canada by saying he will not seek the party leadership at the forthcoming convention. Rae said his health is fine and so is his personal life. But he nonetheless concluded that this was not time to fight a battle for head of the party. Mr Rae, the member for Toronto Centre-Rosedale, is 63 and despite his emphatic claim that he might be too old (“that’s bulls—“) many were left feeling that fatigue may have overtaken the normally feisiy MP. Bob Rae’s decision brings up the media klieg lights on Justin Trudeau,  widely followed and  beloved by those who feel loyal to his father. He is by far the “most popular” federal Liberal but it’s built again on his father’s name,. If he does run will he perform well against the oonslaught launched against him by the Conservatives? One thing we know is that Justin is now under intense pressuree to run.

Get Dad “Hammered” for Fathers Day

by  • 

Not really. Just a little Homefront humour to remind you that Father’s Day is Sunday, June 17.  Homefront has a collection of useful and inexpensive hammered stainless steel bar items that Dad will surely treasure. 371 Eglintron Ave West. (416 488-3189)

Asian consortium buys Saab

by  • 

Saab has new owners. The buyers are Hong Kong based National Electric Vehicle Sweden AB,, taking 51 percent and Japanese investment group Sun Investment LLC. It was recently formed with the purpose of bidding for Saab. NEVS said it would initially focus the sale of its electricity cars on the Chinese market, but that it also has wider plans to expand more globally in the long-term.

Hard luck space at Bayview and Belsize

by  • 

The hard luck space downstairs in the Behar building at Bayview and Belsize finally has a for lease sign on it. The agent is DTZ Barnicke.  This large space has been the site of a number of failed enterprises including the 7-11 store from a few years ago. The story told is that the space has remained un-offered for occupancy so long because 7-11 was paying the rent. We can’t confirm that but the unfortunate state of this space is a source of legitimate public interest in South Bayview. 7-11, by the way, is the largest convenience store chain in the world and is owned in Japan.

End of the line for Overlea Zellers store

by  • 

It’s the end of the line for the Zellers store in the East York Town Centre on Overlea Blvd. The venerable bargain house will close its doors for good next Monday, June 18, 2012. From then on, the premises will be on a time line to re-open sometime in 2013 as a new Target store. Today the place is a pitiable sight. Empty shelves and dirty floors, escalators shut down and staff looking sad. Employees must re-apply with Target in order to be considered for a job at the new store.

Honour council’s will Ford tells McGuinty

by  • 

For reasons unknown, Housing Minister Kathleen Wynne (Don Valley West) has not signed off on the sale of  Toronto Community Housing Corp. homes which was approved by City Council back in March.  The properties are largely vacant and unused.  Mayor Ford has now written to the Premier reminding him of his commitment during the subway/LRT skirmishes to “observe the will of council”. Ford says the sale will generate some $24 million which will be used to maintain other public housing which has tenants. Toronto Sun.

TD sees no dramatic drop in home prices

by  • 

The Toronto-Dominion banking group says Vancouver and Toronto home prices will probably experience a relatively mild downtown in two to three years — but not the dramatic drop that hit the United States a few years ago.TD says a 15 per cent decline in Canada’s two most expensive cities is likely in a few years but it will be gradual, rather than the sudden drop of 30 per cent seen in the U.S. real estate market. The bank’s analysis is consistent with other warnings that Vancouver and Toronto real estate is generally overpriced but supported by low interest rates and a stable economy. TD says that’s not likely to change this year unless there’s a major economic shock from outside the country. Yonge and Roxborough News.

Wrecker knocks down best LCBO we ever had

by  • 

Driving by 1920 Yonge St at Merton St these days is enough to make you want to order a stiff drink. We know it’s only a building, but it happened to be the best LCBO the government alcohol monopoly ever opened. It’s seen in better times open for business in the top picture. The store wasn’t  lost in a mall, not stuck at the back of the Smart Centre, not  a hole-in-the-wall with no parking. This place was large, bright, rich with parking and about as well located as we can imagine for a large liquor store. Now, as the wrecking crew portends (above) we’ll get a another condo. Oh joy. 

Mad Italian bets on the Danforth

by  • 

The third Mad Italian Gelato Bar and coffee house is slated to open on the Danforth this summer. It will set up at the corner of Danforth and Carlaw. Nice neighborhood. This  Mad Italian outlet joins two others, the original being at 1581 South Bayview. Although the owners of the Mad Italian have been keen to sell franchises, this one will be an owned and operated place. They hope to open the door in July.

Summer Sizzler to feature free macaroons

by  • 

The list of events, attractions and freebies for the South Bayview Sizzler on Saturday, June 23, 2012, continues to grow. In the free category, Pattiserie La Cigogne will be offering a free French Macaroons with a small purchase.Yummy.

RBC Young Savers Giveaways! 9am-4pm
Young Savers’ Surprises:
RBC Piggy Banks, RBC Balloons, Cookies & Activity Books!
Royal Bank – Bayview Branch
1554 Bayview Avenue

Cigars & Salsa on the Patio! – 11am-5pm
Experience the sights and sounds of Cuba as
the musicians of TRADISON perform LIVE on our patio!
The Smokin’ Cigar Inc.
1699 Bayview Avenue

Clown & FREE Balloon Twisters! 1-3pm
“Balloon animals” for the kids…free of course!
Bonnie Byford Real Estate Ltd.
1536 Bayview Avenue

MAN VS LOBSTER! 6-9pm
1 1/4 Lb live Lobster cooked on the patio,
corn on the cob, potato salad & moosehead draught $25!
McSorley’s Saloon
1544 Bayview Avenue

Free French Macarons!
Get a free French Macaron when you purchase $10.00 or more! (Saturday Only)
Patisserie La Cigogne
1626 Bayview Avenue

25% Off Home Fashions!
Saturday, June 23, 2012 – 25% off all stock!
Parallele Interiors
1717 Bayview Ave

Summer Sizzler Special — 50 Lashes for $50!
Eyelash Extensions
Chocolate Tanning Spa & Laser Clinic
1624 Bayview Ave. Suite 200

Hot Deals — 25% Off Selected Accessories!
Bulova and Wittnauer Watches, Pens and Wallets from CROSS,
and Murano Glass by Alan K. Jewellery…All 25% Off!!
Unique Jewellery
1551 Bayview Ave