Deputy Mayor Doug Holday holds a news conference today in which he asks again that the Occupy Toronto group leave St. James Park peacefully. The City apparently has a plan to remove those camping in the park. The shutdown operation involves an array of individuals, from social workers to parks officials, from bureaucrats in the city manager’s officer to police officers and firefighters. Councillor Norm Kelly said the city is asking protesters to leave the park now, but the notice is “enforceable” at 12:01 a.m. It seems doubtful; that the City would take action on the stroke of midnight but the decision leaves it free to act at any time.
Mid-afternoon B&E on Sutherland Dr.
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Toronto Police Service report: A resident of Sutherland Drive, reports that between 1530 hours and 1730 hours, November 13, 2011, entry was gained into the premises by forcing a door. Removed was a quantity of jewellery, a computer and vehicle keys.
Ford Flex gets a more rounded look for 2013
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Ford has rounded the edges of the boxy Flex wagon. The new look was unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Flex retains its signature utility look for the sides and rear. It is said to have more power, improved technology and an updated MyFord Touch system designed to address the notorious problems of the original. Deviating from Ford’s usually prominent placement of its Blue Oval logo, Flex’s front is adorned only with FLEX block lettering across the leading edge of its hood above a wide, stylized grille. We think this gives the Flex a look reminiscent of the Land Rover.
Heavyweight muggers thwarted in subway
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Toronto Police report that two big muggers (around 200 pounds each) were thwarted on the subway: Two males, ages 19 and 23 years, report that on November 12, 2011 at approximately 2317 hours, they were on a TTC subway train travelling southbound towards Eglinton station, 2200 Yonge Street, when they were approached by two male suspects. One of the suspects made a demand for cash. A struggle ensued and the suspects fled the scene empty-handed heading in an unknown. One victim sustained minor injuries but refused medical attention. The other victim did not sustain any injuries. Police are requesting the assistance of the public in identifying the following described persons in connection with this offence. Description of Suspect #1: Male, white, 20 years, 5’9”, 150 to 200 pounds, brown eyes, short straight brown hair. Suspect #2: Male, black, 6’0” to 6’3”, 200 to 222 pounds, brown eyes, black hair.
Further word on how boxes will be configured
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Further intellience from some informed sidewalk workers on South Bayview says there will four trees each in the 25 metre grade-level boxes, fewer in the smaller ones. There will, they’re guessing, be grating to permit water to drain into the roots and provide a surface for motorists to walk from their cars between the trees.
“Flower boxes” surprisingly lengthy
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This morning brings the appearance of “flower boxes” as part of the sidewalk replacement on South Bayview. These boxes will come as a surprise to many merchants, although there was a whisper of something about three days ago. It frankly isn’t clear how these large grade-level rectangular boxes will be used. There will be four or five of them between Millwood and Fleming and the longest are 25 metres. Some workmen say there will be “metal grates” placed on the boxes. For trees? Don’t know. What about getting in and out of your car? At 25 metres you might wish to cross them rather than walk around. Don’t know.
Harper seeks free trade with all Asia
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Prime Minister Harper has said, in so many words, we’ll be selling our oil and gas to the Asians if the Americans don’t get busy and permit the construction of the Keystone pipeline. He also said Canada will seek to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership, opening up the prospect of free trade with all of Asia.
New $100 bills begin circulation tomorrow
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Beginning tomorrow, banks will start circulating the new $100 polymer bills. Following, that, the $50 plastic banknotes will begin circulating in the Spring.. They will be followed by the $5, $10 and $20 bills over a period of months through to the end of 2013. Although it has not been said, the gradual process may be part of an attempt to smooth any electronic errors occurring when the new bills are used at paper money machines, such as those in parking lot pay stations and elsewhere. The Mint has acknowledged transition issues may arise but has not specified what they might be,. In the meantime, the new bills appear to be very similar to the old ones, except for feel. The $100 bill is still adorned by Prime Minister Robert Borden and the fifty by Prime Minister W.L. Mackenzie King. They are said to be almost impossible to effectively counterfeit.
Long line to enter St. Cuthbert’s Fair
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Organizers report that there was a lineup of 203 people waiting for the St. Cuthbert’s Christmas Fair to open at 11 am Saturday. The traffic was busy through the day and this year’s results were the best yet achieved. The church issued thanks today to neighbourhood merchants who supported the Silent Auction. Many happy people left with their “finds”.
Story by Karolyn Coorsh on recent fire
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There’s a nice story linked here reviewing the aftermath of the fire that damaged Leaside Cleaners and the Flower Nook on South Bayview. It is written by Karolyn Coorsh and appears in the Town Crier. It is distinguished by many names of those involved in the fire and those reacting to it. Previous story.
Teen injured crossing Mount Pleasant
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The accident on Mount Pleasant Road late last month in which a teen girl was injured is a reminder that funeral processions are perhaps more dangerous than they may seem. In this case, the girl and a friend were crossing the street when she was brushed by a police cruiser. It’s believed her injuries are not serious. How did it happen? Well most likely the police cruiser was travelling from the back of the procession to the front in order to leap frog another unit. The police move fairly quickly to get into position at the corners with traffic lights. For those venturing to run between the cars in a funeral procession there is always the possibility they may collide with a police car speeding to the front..
Bad boy of European politics calls it a day
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Silvio Berlusconi has called it a day. He’s resigned as prime minister of Italy. Here is a compilation of the type of behaviour that exasperated many Italians.