Cash crisis at Bixi bike rentals

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The Montreal bike rental system beginning its expansion into Toronto is practically broke. Supporters say the firm is merely a victim of its own success, but the fact remains that Bixi, the Public Bike Company has had to lay off 70 employees and ask the City of Montreal for a $107 million bailout. The linked story is from CTV. Be sure you check the rather acidic comments from Montreal readers.

Canadian Tire to carry large appliances

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In what some are calling a defensive move, Canadian Tire has said it will jump into the large appliance market. It’s a quantum leap away from its core business which seems to suggest a desire by CTC to end run many of the big U.S. competitors moving to Canada. Refrigerators, stoves and dishwashers will begin to appear at CTC by the end of 2012. The retailer said it tested large appliances in some stores and received mostly positive feedback from customers. The move would place Canadian Tire in segment competition with home-improvement retailers Home Depot, Lowes, and Rona, Sears and The Bay

Homefront has Julia Knight Serveware

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Here is a peek at pieces from Julia Knight that really redefine entertaining. There is stock at Homefront and others may be ordered in quick delivery. There are cake plates, segmented trays, cocktail napkin holders, salt and pepper sets, cheese sets salad servers, cake servers, spreaders, cocktail forks and spoons, and wine coasters. See the Julia Knight site. These pieces are hand made of aluminum using the ancient art of sand-casting. Each piece is hand painted with enamel infused with crushed Mother of Pearl. Offered in array of sumptuous colours these pieces have a durable, high gloss, food safe finish that will remain beautiful and functional for years to come.

Happy St. Maple’s Day, South Bayview

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It missed St. Patrick’s Day by two months. All across our area this sloppy blanket of green, flowery Maple buds has fallen in today’s rain. This drop is on Macnaughton Road. It has decorated cars and made pavement slippery. But the trees are nice.

Garbage privatization debate this week

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On Tuesday and Wednesday City Council will debate a garbage privatization plan that backers claim will save taxpayers $8 million a year. Groups such as the Toronto Environmental Alliance have argued the savings would be lower than advertised but the public works committee last month voted in favour of the idea of contracting out curbside garbage and recycling collection from Etobicoke’s east border to Yonge Street. As is often the case, the “cost” as opposed to the “saving” of a propsition like this is clouded by political smoke. Do estimates include, for example, the cost of your time disposing of your garbage when there is a work stoppage?

New Shoppers to open Thursday, May 26

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There will be a period of overlap between the opening of the new Shoppers Drug Mart and the closing of the old one. The opening will take place on Thursday, May 26, 2011 and the closing of the old store will occur a few days after that.

Sport Swap signage a winner

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New Sport Swap sign at 1541B is a good sign for South Bayview. All posts.

Seen Saturday on South Bayview

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Definitely worth the walk along South Bayview

Garage Sale for Shelter on Macrae

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The annual Garage Sale for Shelter was held Saturday in the parking lot of the Royal LePage office on Bayview and Macrae. Despite damp weather, the sale was busy. Proceeds go to help women seeking refuge from abuse.

Arena awareness this weekend!

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Charlene Kalia, chair of the Leaside Arena Expansion Fundraising Committee, writes to remind us that a group of volunteers will be at various locations such as Valumart, Metro and around the east block of South Bayview this weekend handing out information on how to donate to the arena expansion. As she notes, “This is crunch time so we really need to spread the word.”

Shoppers Drug nearing completion

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With the opening set for the 24th of May weekend. the new Shoppers Drug Mart on South Bayview is busy inside and out. This week we got a look at the dramatic signage and frontal treatment of the new store. It is housed in the 1936 building which for many years was a movie theatre, the Bayview Playhouse. Today the red and white Shoppers signs are complimented by black marble and brass appointments. Very nice.

Charron, Binnie resign from Supreme Court

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Two members of the Supreme Court of Canada will resign August 30, 2011 This will leave Prime Minister Harper free to appoint two new justices to the country’s top court. Those resigning are Justice Ian Binnie and Justice Louise Charron.