Hudak campaign hits South Bayview

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PC leader Tim Hudak hit South Bayview Saturday afternoon looking for votes. The brief visit saw a little drama in which the lady running along Manor Road to the bus (left) was sadly shut out of the bus. She was trying to see if her son, a Hudak worker, was on the vehicle. But the driver had instructions, it appears not to open the door to anyone.

Cito Gaston on the Homefront

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Sometimes it seems as if all roads lead to Homefront at 371 Eglinton West. Here is former Blue Jays Manager Cito Gaston with Homefront’s Bonnie Kruger during a visit today. Cito is a big fellow, as you can see, and was in the neighborhood to shop at Kingsport Big and Tall Clothiers just down the street Cito managed the Toronto Blue Jays from 1989 to 1997, and again from 2008 to 2010. During this time, he managed the Blue Jays to four Division Titles (1989, 1991, 1992 and 1993), two American League Pennants (1992 and 1993) and two World Series (1992 and 1993). Photo Minerva Li

Pottery Road nearing completeion

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As those who use it will know, the reconstruction of Pottery Road was to be finished by September 5, 2011. A visit today reveals a fair amount of work to be done on the pavement in certain sections. But the underpass widening at the Don Valley is pretty much done and the widening all the way up to Broadview seems complete. Workers were installing railings today. We’re gong to guess and say another week or ten days.

Scotiabank buys into Chinese bank

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Canada’s Scotiabank will buy a 20 per cent stake in Bank of Guangzhou for Rmb4.65bn ($728m), swimming against the tide of foreign investors who have been reducing exposure to Chinese banks. Along with providing a vote of confidence in the Chinese banking sector, the deal underscores the relative strength of Canadian banks, which have expanded in the wake of the global financial crisis as many of their US and European peers have cut back. Financial Times

Toronto’s season of the buy out

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Libraries, Police, TTC — all of them are mulling the prospect of offering buyouts as a way to thin their ranks and balance their books. The Toronto Police Services Board has said it will consider a $20 million buyout program to speed as many as 400 officers into early retirement. That could save an estimated $40 million. Toronto Public Library board will consider a buyout program and although they refuse to confirm it, TTC commissioners are widely expected to examine buyouts as a way to help balance their budget.

Credible but unconfirmed 9-11 threat

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The last few hours has apparently developed a serious concern about an attack on the anniversary of 9-11. It is described as a “credible but unconfirmed”report. This embedded CBS News video is fairly detailed based on what is known.. The essence of the concern is that a Pakistan based body may be planning car-bombs of bombs or some type to attack New York and Washington. The New York Police have laid out a series of additional measures which includes call lines for the “If you see something, say something” program. There will also be “license plate readers” employed. Voice of America. 10.10 pm

Election signs springing up in South Bayview

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They’re off and running both here in Toronto and all across Ontario. In fact, voters in five provinces will go to the polls in this traditional voting season. As is usual, the Ontario election will occur on a Thursday, this time it’s October 6, 2011. In South Bayview the election signs have begun to blossom. It may be a little cluttered for a while. The price of Democracy. Have a thought for voters in Mississauga’s Ward 5 where there are more than two dozen candidates. They say it looks like Disneyland on a lot of streets.