The South Bayview Bulldog

When the green and white Dollarama sign finally goes up on South Bayview over the premises previously occupied by Shoppers Drug Mart, the space will have been vacant for close to a year. The big dollar store let it leak out some weeks ago that it had definitely taken the lease.  It was the neighborhood’s worst kept secret. But for many a mystery remains that the place is still vacant. Most everyone will understand that a company with more than 600 stores has lots to do. But a year?  It’s been speculated that the vacant triple store continued under leasse to the drugstore well after Shoppers moved out last Spring,. This would mean the landlord simply collected rent even though he had the next lease from Dollarama in his pocket. Then late last year, “Leased” signs went up on the papered-over windows. It was amusing because there had never been “For Lease” signs. Most thought that the signs indicated that the arrival of Dollarama was nigh. Apparently not. With March upon us there is no sign that the compamy plans to enter the premises any time soon. A peek through the cracks in the paper reveals a flat, uncluttered, moonscape of a space. When will Dollarama finally grace South Bayview?    

The Toronto Star’s “Fixer” Jack Lakey is working overtime to find traffic lights which seem to him to be unnecessary. His first outing was to the new lights at Laird Drive and Esander Drive. He noted correctly that there is a signal facing west toward the sidewalk opposite Esander. This is apparently unnecessary but it’s a bit of a quibble because the intersection clearly needs traffic lights to control traffic into the new Leaside Village development. Now Jack has found lights that stop traffic on Mt. Pleasant at the Rosehill pumping station north of the CP tracks. He notes that the gates into the site were locked when the Star visited.  A visit to the site recently reveals that the lights are pretty much permanently on green for Mt Pleasant traffic. There is a pedestrian crossing button which will permit those descending the steps from Rosedale Heights to cross the Mt. Pleasant. Jack’s concern might be more compelling if this stretch of Mr Pleasant were not one of the most harrowing in the city. It may not be the preferred way to stop speeding, careless driving and simple racing, but many people will feel the lights add a dimension of safer driving to a roadway where many have died because of high speed.   Jack’s column.  

Judging from the good quality of these pictures, it won’t be long before police have this man in custody.. On Wednesday, February 1, 2012, at 8:45 a.m. he walked into a bank in the Danforth and Woodbine Avenues area. He told the teller he had a gun and got away with some cash.  The suspect is described as 19−25, 5’11″−6′, 150−175 lbs., with brown eyes.

This Tuesday, February 21, 2012, at 9.30 am the North Leaside Women’s Group will be addressed by Canadian author Alissa York.  Ms York (inset) will speak on My Life as an Author. The South Bayview Bulldog  reviewed this author’s website and enjoyed reading the synopsis of her latest book, Fauna. Here’s part of it, showing Ms. York’s popular and professional treatment of her material.  Synopsis: “After years spent busting smugglers of exotic pets and banned animal parts, federal wildlife officer Edal Jones is on stress leave when she happens upon the unusual community that will change her life. Situated between a half-wild ravine and Toronto’s Chinatown East, Howell Auto Wreckers is a modern-day sanctuary for injured souls. Handsome proprietor Guy Howell offers refuge to animals and humans alike: a half-starved hawk and a brood of orphaned raccoons; a soldier whose heart failed him during his first tour of duty; a teenage runaway and her massive black dog. Guy’s a rare kind of man—well-versed in the delicate workings of damaged beings, he might just stand a chance at capturing Edal’s heart.” The North Leaside Women’s Group meets at Northlea United Church,125 Brentcliffe Rd

This fine ravine home in Moore Park is subject to an only occasionally seen stipulation known as a Tree Protection Zone.  It’s applied by the elegantly named Urban Forestry Branch. It forbids grade changes, trenching, storage of materials or equipment, liquid disposal, hard surfacing or vehicular traffic. Quite a list.