Poor Galen Weston. Not financially of course but it’s a bit of a professional embarrassment for sure. Speaking yesterday Mr Weston said that some day farmers’ markets are going to kill someone. He modified that somewhat by adding immediately that he was only trying to be “dramatic.” Sadly for him, thousands of fans of farmers’ market as well as the trade association have assailed the young chief of Loblaws. Mr. Weston is executive chairman of Loblaw Cos. Ltd, Canada’s largest food retailer, with more than 1,000 stores. He was talking about building a long-term vision for food in Canada and how to capitalize on the demand for local food. Food inspections are crucial, he insisted.
Harper tells China: “Send us your tourists”
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Canada and China have reached reached agreement on a deal that will protect investments by Canadian companies in China. It’s the first of many pre-prepared agreements that will be announced during Stephan Harper’s visit to China. The two countries said they had successfully concluded negotiations of a Foreign Investment Protection Act. Both countries will now conduct a legal review of the agreement and then ratify. Ratification in Canada will include a review by Parliament. Mr. Harper also announced a new Canadian tourism marketing campaign in China. It will urge Chinese travellers to spend their tourism dollars in Canada. Harper launched the new tourism campaign — which highlights Canada’s West, including the Calgary Stampede — at the official opening of the Canadian Tourism Commission’s newly outfitted marketing centre in the heart of Beijing.Harper in China — it’s about the oil
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Prime Minister Stephen Harper has landed in China tonight with a warm welcome from the state media. CCTV, the country’s version of the CBC, went to some length to say nice things about Canada. CCTV pretty much reflects the government’s line. For Mr. Harper, it can only be a good sign as he unrolls a long agenda of trade and human rights concerns. But at the top of the list is oil. Whether to panic the Americans into building the Keystone Pipeline or get a committed customer from China — or both — the prime minister is ready to deal.
Demolition permit issued for 445 Heath
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A demolition permit has been issued for the property at 445 Heath Street East at Heathbridge. There is also a permit for the construction of new house at this site. The Bennington Heights home sold last year for $1,175,000. That was a nice uptick on the listed price of $1,049,000.
Leaside Invitational begins Thursday
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The annual gathering local hockey teams takes place from February 9 to 12, 2012 as the Leaside Hockey Association holds its 22nd annual Leaside Invitational Select Tournament. The tournament will feature 16 divisions from tyke to midget senior, with games being held at Leaside Memorial Gardens, Canlan Ice Sports and De La Salle arenas. Check the schedule at www.leasidehockey.com. Permit to repair Leaside Cleaners due soon
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An application was accepted by the City on June 13, 2012, for renovations and repairs to 1540 South Bayview. This is the Leaside Cleaners location and the City’s status report indicates that a permit is “ready for issuance.” This is very good news for owners Mimi and Phillip and everyone on the street. The shop was hit by fire in October.
Fans pan quality of streaming Super Bowl
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There’s a lot of criticism of the quality of the NFL’s online stream of the Super Bowl last night. One jokester called it a major step forward for TV. Here is another reviewer’s take.
Laugh Out Loud February 24, 2012
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Charlene Kalia writes to say that tickets are selling quickly for the 3rd annual Laugh Out Loud in Leaside fundraiser in support of building a second ice pad at Leaside Memorial Community Gardens. 80% of the tickets sold so the pressure is on to get yours. It’s great evening of laughter, music, food, and friends! Highlights include: MC David Sparrow, Leaside resident and actor/writer/comedian hilarious stand up comedy musical performance de la mer oyster bar delicious appetizers tantalizing desserts live and silent auctions. This event has the support of the full community (see sponsors inset)Auction items:
one week trip to St Lucia (air and hotel)
back yard “Grilltime” bbq for 20 including beer/wine
overnight stay at “The Briars” including breakfast, lunch and dinner
corporate box for Toronto Maple Leafs game
Date: Friday February 24, 2012
Time: 7:30 pm
Place: William Lea Room at Leaside Memorial Community Gardens, 1073 Millwood (at Laird)
Single ticket: $75
Reserved table of 10: $750
Email: charlene@charlenekalia.com
Phone: 416-925-9191
Online (by credit card, fee applies)
Download and print ticket order form.
Free streaming Super Bowl only in the U.S.
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Fans in the U.S. have been able to watch this Super Bowl free online from any device they choose. IPad or old clunker desk top. It makes no difference to NBC Sports, which for the first time has allowed the full game to be streamed live. It’s not available in Canada. CTV, which has rights here, and Mother Bell, have kept a firm hand on all that. No free streaming action for you captive Canucks. Not everyone could attend a Super Bowl Chicken Wing Party. Many fans would love to have seen the game on any available computer.
Homefront will carry Lampe Bergere in Spring
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Homefront buyers have now returned from an exciting week at the Canadian Gift and Tableware show. We are diligently working on updating our inventory. The focus will be the main store, Eglinton Avenue West (right across the street from the old Eglinton Theatre). We will be adding new lines and services. for example, Homefront will soon carry Lampe Berger. Customers have shown a lot of interest. The store at 1579 is in clearance mode and will continue that way until the end of March when it will close. We invite all our good friends to who like Homefront to drive the 12 minutes to Eglinton and Avenue road where you will find all the familiar faces and wonderful merchandise and service. We are also having a sale there right now. Trish Stuebing
World Day of Prayer at LUC
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From the website of Leaside United Church: The World Day of Prayer will take place at Leaside United Church on Friday, March 2, 2012 at 2:00 pm. The service was written by women of Malaysia and the theme is “Let Justice Prevail”. Our guest speaker is Raheel Raza, a well known speaker on justice issues. Members of 10 local churches have been invited to take part in the service. After the service there will be an opportunity to view a DVD especially prepared for this year’s World Day of Prayer. Come and learn more about Malaysia.
Budweiser flash mob stuns hockey players
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This is the flash mob video that has drawn more than a million views in about three days if You Tube information is correct. Two amateur league teams, the Generals and Les Amigos, were scheduled to play a game at Port Credit arena. They were told only that there was some sort of documentary being made in the arena. Instead, a screaming horde of “fans” invaded the arena. The unfolding events are now part of a Budweiser Canada commercial which will be played in Canada during tomorrow’s Super Bowl