The South Bayview Bulldog

Neighbors near 48 Donlea Dr. will no doubt we be happy to see work progressing finally on the excavation at that address. Not sure if the arrival of the Castleton Homes sign has anything to do with that. But as you see, there is a new concrete block foundation going in as the house is lengthened. The site has been idle for some months.

The TTC is promising us the new Canadian-made subway vehicles this summer (sometime). They’re made in Thunder Bay by Bombardier. Pictured here are some of the original cars built by the Gloucester Car Company in the U-K and delivered in 1953. An original transfer recalls how short was the first leg of the Yonge subway — Union Station to Eglinton. More here in a post on blogTO by Derek Flack

Cycling is a thriving activity in South Bayview for work and pleasure. With the nice weather however comes concern that everyone cycle safely. The Star recently published an editorial making the point that cyclists are often quick to criticize motorists, but many on bikes casually disregard the traffic rules. The Star also notes the jeopardy faced by both cyclists and pedestrians when bikes are used on sidewalks. It’s worth a thought or two. Inset an unusual sight here as a cyclist is ticketed on Yonge Street this week. Picture Courtesy Yonge and Roxborough News

The You Tube video is embedded here. Hope you haven’t seen it already because it has been viewed three and a half million times since April. But it’s quite compelling. Taken at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Parents are roaring with laughter only because their child is protected from 400 pound beast by two inches of Plexiglas.

The spiffy barbecue on display outside COBS on South Bayview has been won by a customer named Gloria. At this writing (2.30 EDT) they were waiting for Gloria to check in to take the good-looking cooker home. To qualify, it was only necessary to buy a bun combo from COBS and then wait. The draw was made this morning at the bakery.

“Next station Hyundai! Hyundai is next!” We forecast very few things here at the South Bayview Bulldog but simple prudence insists that someone try to imagine what it will be like when the TTC enacts its new policy of permitting corporations and institutions to name subway stations. They actually approved the plan just the other night. Will car makers get control of the PA system to urge commuters off the subway and into a comfortable Elantra? Some dreamers say Ryerson University should put its name on the Dundas Station. But can Ryerson pay? This is about money. The serious money will come from the banks. Who will be the first to grab the King Street stop? Or will the Five Sisters all have to go together — “Attention please: CIBC-BMO-Royal-Scotia-TD stop.” The consequences seem overwhelming. What if more money can be made by selling the name of the whole subway line? “Attention northbound Proctor and Gamble riders. There is a delay for track work at the Starbucks-Rosedale station. The track work is sponsored by Target.” And what if the TTC takes to selling names serially, like the theatres? We’re still looking for the Canon. Picture courtesy Yonge and Roxborough News

Here are a few more pictures taken by Leaside resident Terri Reid of what we are calling Operation Duck Family. The mother and six ducklings were discovered Saturday on Hanna Rd. near Parkhurst Blvd. fearlessly marching along the roadway, much as we see them in the shot at the top. A growing body of residents began a lengthy operation of trying to help the ducks out of what would surely be a dangerous situation for them. Someone struck upon trying to lure them into a dog cage with bits of bread. Lower left, the process begins. But as Ms Reid observed to the South Bayview Bulldog, it isn’t easy trying to capture a duck, especially when she has six little ones. The residents were successful however in getting the duck family into the cage, still complete with Fido’s bone (lower right). The ducks were then transported to Wilket Creek where they were set loose in their natural habitat. There is a picture of that and a link to Danielle Milley’s excellent story in the post below.