Merchants on South Bayview received notices this morning that construction will begin on the new sidewalks Monday morning. That’s October 31, 2011. The representative of the contractor said the work will be done in about a week weather permitting and that access will be maintained to all stores during the work. The relatively brief estimated time for completion will be related to the hours of work — 7 am. to 7 p.m. These are long hours for such work. But, it will be a welcome thing to have new sidewalks especially if they can be completed in this short time.
More seats here help McGuinty and Harper
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The quick take on the redistribution of federal ridings is that it may help the Ontario Liberals and the Federal Conservatives all at the same time. An Ottawa Citizen story this morning says: “McGuinty might be endorsing the federal government’s plans with an eye to replicating the redistribution in Ontario because it is to his political advantage. Just as Harper’s Conservatives benefit by having a larger proportion of seats available outside Quebec (and especially in Ontario, Alberta, and B.C.), the Ontario Liberals are likely to benefit from the addition of new seats in the province’s largest cities. In other words, both political leaders may be motivated by nothing more than crass political calculation.” Crass politics. Imagine that.
Very nice, but what about the neighbours?
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Here we have a fairly elaborate concept for Halloween. The owner of this house in Riverside California creates a light show each year. As usual, the show gets more elaborate each year. It consists, he says, of four singing pumpkin faces, tombstones, hand carved pumpkins, strobes, floods and thousands of lights. Most all lights have been changed from incandescent of past years to RGB LED so power consumption is a lot less. Oh sure, but what about the neighbors?
Customers turned away from Millwood Esso
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Many motorists were inconvenienced tonight when Toronto Autowash, the Esso service station at 1070 Millwood Road, stopped all vehicles from entering because there was a commercial being shot on the premises. Those who had been at the station as recently as a week ago said there were no warnings that the station would be closed on Thursday night. One woman who was turned away at 6 p.m. said she was nearly out of gas and felt fortunate that she was able to make it to the Petro Canada station at Moore and Bayview. A further note, staff said Friday they were surprised that no one had put a sign up to say they would be closing. This is perhaps because they thougjt they might be able to keep one or two pumps open. But they did not reckon with the armies of trucks invovled in the making of a commercial. In this case, a commercial for Honda.
Ontario to get 15 new seats in Commons
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In the coming redistribution of seats in the House of Commons, Ontario will get 15 more seats, British Columbia and Alberta six each and Quebec three. The new legislation is called the Fair Representation Act. It was announced by Tim Uppal, minister of state for democratic reform, at a news conference in Brampton today and is designed to correct under-representation in Ontario, BC and Alberta.
New lights will calm traffic — temporarily
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New temporary traffic lights are being installed right on the tricky turn on the Bayview extension. According to homeowners in the area, they lights are to assist in traffic control during unspecified construction at the location. They will also permit kids from the local school to cross a dangerous street. They would seem to be a good permanent fixture. These lights are just below the exit that takes northbound drivers to Moore Ave and also to the adjoining parking lots for Loblaws and the Pharma Plus/TD Bank strip of stores.
Ian Rankin event a success
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The brief appearance of author Ian Rankin at the Sleuth of Baker Street on Millwood Rd. this afternoon was a success. The renowned mystery writer was greeted by many fans. He chatted with them all and autographed his work. Those speaking with the Scottish writer found him exceptionally approachable and down to earth.
Polar bears and pumpkins a rare treat
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Animals like pumpkins it seems. A polar bear at the Detroit zoo picked up this big one to break up and enjoy. The zoo’s inhabitants began to receive pumpkins today filled with treats to eat, play with, tear apart and smash. Snow monkeys, gorillas, rhinos, zebras, bison, wolverines and anteaters also received treats as part of the annual enrichment program.
Postal Station R sold for $3,050,000
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The now vacant building which for nearly 50 years housed Postal Station R at 2 Laird Drive has sold for $3,050,000, according to land registry records. The new owner and his plans for the property are still unknown although the new registrant is KCAP Laird Inc It is a statement on our history that the property in question was purchased by the government in 1959 for $115,000.
Retired mechanic wins $50 million
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TORONTO Canada News Wire Franco Varone of Woodbridge can hardly believe how his life, and that of his family, is about to change after discovering he matched all seven numbers in the October 7, 2011 LOTTO MAX draw, winning the $50 million jackpot.Rod Phillips, OLG’s President and CEO presented Mr. Varone with the $50 million dollar cheque today in a news conference at the OLG Prize Centre. “We have been awaiting Mr. Varone’s arrival,” said Phillips.”Mr. Varone is the biggest winner on a single ticket in Ontario history.”The 73 year old retired mechanic found out about his incredible good fortune during a shopping trip with his wife shortly after the draw. “I was trembling in my car when I saw I matched all seven numbers, so I told my wife right away and she started to cry,” said Varone. Varone, who has four children and four grandchildren, waited to tell his family about the win until Thanksgiving Sunday when they were all gathered for dinner. His children thought something was wrong when he told them he had an important announcement. “He swore us to secrecy,” said his children. Varone decided to wait two weeks to claim the ticket because he wanted to think about the windfall and think about what he’s going to do with the money. “I didn’t want to rush in like others do, I wanted to be prepared before collecting the cheque.” As for his plans for the $50 million, Varone wants to take his time and weigh all his options.” I think there will be a trip involved with the whole family, but I will take my time in deciding how to spend the $50 million. But my 50th wedding anniversary is coming up next year, so it will make the occasion extra special.”
Dianne Craig new head at Ford of Canada
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Ford motors has appointed Dianne Craig as president and chief executive of its Canadian company based in Oakville. Craig leaves a job at the Ford Motor Company in Detroit as general manager for marketing, sales and service for Ford and Lincoln Mercury dealers in six southeastern states, from North Carolina to Florida. She replaces David Mondragon, who after three years in the job heads to the parent U.S. company to become general marketing manager.
McGuinty headed for post-election “majority”
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The Liberal Government may well gain majority control of the Legislature if Progressive Conservative MPP Frank Klees (left) is successful in his bid to become Speaker. “We’re surprised and we’re disappointed,” PC leader Tim Hudak said in announcing his shadow cabinet, from which Klees was absent. Both Hudak and NDP Leader Andrea Horwath had said no member of their parties would run for Speaker, ensuring a Liberal MPP would get the post. The two opposition parties control 54 seats in the house and if Klees wins Mr. McGuinty’s 53 seats would equal the combined opposition