Divadale maple reduced to firewood

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Venerable old maple on Divadale Dr. east of Hanna was cut down Friday. Left, crane operator has tightened the belt around the trunk to keep it from tumbling onto the chainsaw man as he rips through the last few inches. Centre and right, the trunk swings menacingly before it is slowly lifted onto the truck. Spectator on the sidewalk has a pretty good view.

Warmer weather brings out thieves

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It’s a fact that nicer weather will bring out shoplifters and especially the till tap artists. A till tap is theft of money from the cash drawer when no one is looking. Shopkeepers who sometimes staff the shop alone should be on the alert. Make sure you take the key to the till with you if you leave the floor. Most of these types won’t steal anything if they think someone is looking. Their scheme relies on them being able to get into the till with the twist of a key and then disappear.

Election mainstreeting on South Bayview

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The general election made its first appearance on Souith Bayview Thursday. Conservative candidate John Carmichael (left) and Defense Minister Peter MacKay came mainstreeting. Here the two answer questions from a Don Valley West voter as aides look on. Carmichael is facing off once again as he did in 2008 against Liberal MP Rob Oliphant, who will no doubt be mainstreeting soon.

Backwards garbage truck a national story

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A City of Toronto garbage truck backed into a home at 25 Annesley Ave. between Bessborough Drive and Hanna Rd. Thursday. A woman was shaken but unharmed after the yellow and blue truck crashed into the home. A couple of vans parked in the driveway were also damaged. Police said the wrong-way refuse vehicle slammed into the house around 1 p.m. The freakish accident has attracted interest from the news media locally and far afield, appearing on television news programs right across the country. Story and picture.

TTC essential service a win-win

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The Legislature voted yesterday by a lopsided 68 to 9 to ban public transit strikes in Toronto. The union was furious. So be it. They may recall, as we do, that the last stoppage in 2008 occurred without the requisite 48 hours notice because the union said it was afraid members of the public would be angry with the drivers. So the strike occurred on 90 minutes notice, stranding people all over the city. Nice. Now no such fears will haunt the transit chiefs because no stoppage will threaten the patience of the public. A win-win for sure.