The South Bayview Bulldog

Many tourists got stuck on the observation deck of the new Tokyo Skytree Tower on opening day. High winds forced operators to shut down two elevators to the observation deck. Everyone later came down safely. The world’s tallest tower and Japan’s biggest new landmark was designed to replace previous broadcast towers in the Japanese capital.  Nearly 8,000 visitors were expected to take high-speed elevators up to the observation decks of the 634-metre (2,080ft) tower to mark its opening. Some reportedly waited in line more than a week to get the coveted tickets for a panoramic view, although Tuesday ended up being cloudy in Tokyo.  The chart above shows the CN tower to be now the third highest broadcasting tower in the world.  National Post

Robin Dickie has generously written to report on the details of the much loved St. Cuthbert’s Spring Fair and has sent some pictures as well to keep memories fresh. Thanks Robin — Ed   Link here for Robin’s report.

It’s seems to be the place to listen if you want to know what Toronto’s big guy is going to do next. The weekly appearance of Mayor Rob Ford and his brother Doug on Newstalk 1010 radio always produces a story for local media. Will he attend a gay-lesbian event? Does he support the Toronto police vs G20 dissidents? Will the mayor extend private garbage collection east of Yonge Street? It’s all there. And clearly, it’s a platform that serves both the mayor and the radio station. Mr Ford avoids annoying questions that normally pepper him in scrums. Newstalk 1010 gets the action. The latest flash from the mayor over the air is that he will not push through privatization of garbage collection east of Yonge Street this term. Answering a  listener from East York, the mayor said the east side of town will have to wait for privatization. It was a pretty frank response. Mr Ford obviously thinks privatization is a winning issue and he intends to use it to help him get re-elected in 2014. Some media, like BlogTO, are playing the decision like a betrayal. But it isn’t as if Ford is raising taxes when he said he wouldn’t. Now that would be a betrayal. 

Nearly six years after a push for Expo 2015 fell apart, there’s a movement afoot for Toronto to consider bidding for the World’s Fair in 2025. “It’s very early in exploration. The conversations are very casual. It’s information-gathering,” said Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam. Wong-Tam (Ward 27, Toronto Centre-Rosedale) said she is speaking to business leaders and trade unions, among others, to see if there is an appetite to mount a bid for the international exposition that showcases technology, architecture and culture from around the world. “So far the reaction has been very warm to enthusiastic,” she said. In 2006, city council, lead by then-mayor David Miller, was firmly behind Toronto making a bid. The federal government pledged to contribute $600 million to cover infrastructure, security and other costs.

The removal of the hedge on the property at 720 Millwood Rd. has created much better visibility for those exiting the heavily travelled lane east  of Bayview. Here we see the final bits being removed and (right) what it looked like before removal. The new fence also looks good. This is the residence which was occupied by Agnes Macphail when she moved to Toronto after after her defeat in the general election of 1940.