Scotiabank has an outstanding quarter

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Who would have thought those little red and white storefronts could spin off 1.17 billion in profit in just three months. But the miracle of compound interest can do that, as any experienced saver will tell you. So congratulations to Scotiabank. Scotia did the seemly thing and increased its dividend after a three-year freeze.

Gas main replacement on Bayview

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Notices have been delivered to businesses on South Bayview that the cast iron natural gas mains will be replaced this Spring beginning in April. There will be trenching necessary. The project supervisor, Jim Hutton, told The South Baview Bulldog that he thinks the work will occur mainly along the west side of the street. but it will be necessary to dig a smaller excavation in front of buildings to connect the new line. The old main will be replaced with plastic tubing. Gas service will be interrupted briefly but the contractor, Link Line, says there will be timely notice of disconnection. The contractor promises to keep sidewalks open and passable.

Geneva Auto Show opens today

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The 81st Geneva Auto Show opens today amid applause for all the concept cars on display. Here we have the electric VW “Bulli” van, sort of a son-of-Westphalia. Volkswagen’s new Bulli concept revives the Microbus in modern form and stuffs it full of batteries to turn it into an all-electric vehicle with a stated 186 mile range. Among the six-seater’s modern twists, new VW Microbus uses an iPad to control the entertainment system, climate control and other functions. The Bulli uses a lithium-ion battery pack to drive a 113-horsepower electric motor and interestingly enough, Volkswagen says that the van can be fully charged in less than one hour. Like the original Microbus, the Bulli presented in Geneva has two-tone paint and a distinctive ‘V’ on the bonnet. 18-inch alloy wheels are distinctive with stylised chrome hubcaps, another tribute to the Microbus.

Buyers yawn at new electric car models

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It’s been a dispiriting sales season so far for those who hoped that electric cars like the GM Volt and Nissan’s Leaf would transform the auto industry. In fact, the two vehicles have had crushingly disappointing sales figures so far. The Volt sold only 281 units and the Nissan just 67 units in February. What’s the problem? Freelance writer Mark Whittington says Consumer Reports suggests reasons. The Volt sells for a price in the mid $40,000s but it does not get very good mileage compared to conventional competitors like the hybrids Toyota Prius and the Ford Fusion. The mileage deteriorates during cold weather because the car’s heater runs on the electric battery. Consumer Reports found similar problems with the Nissan Leaf, though it costs about $10,000 less than the Volt. Recharging may also be an issue. The inconvenience of having to leave the vehicle for five hours as it recharges may be a powerful disincentive.

Bell cell tower on 1220 Bayview Ave

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This rainy Saturday saw a huge crane and many cellular wonks (engineers) working on the installation of a Bell Canada cellular tower on top of the apartment building at 1220 Bayview Ave (at Moore Ave.). The address has a special location which engineers figured out. The high tower will be able to peer over the shore of prehistoric Lake Iroquois and pick up or send signals to the lower town. A windfall perhaps for the owner of the rental apartment as that rooftop won’t come free to BCE. Upper left, part of the tower goes up. Upper right, men work on the next lift with Florence Moosengale looking on from the background. Lower left, a close up of the partly finished tower and lower right, messy traffic and weather together.

Island launch May 1 says Air Canada

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Air Canada says it will begin flying out of Toronto’s island airport on May 1, a move that will interest many North American travellers. The Wall Street Journal announced the decision, The island plan follows conclusion of a terminal agreement with City Centre Terminal Corp., which is owned by Porter Aviation Holdings Inc. Air Canada is trying to win back the high-margin business travelers it lost to upstart Porter Airlines, the island airport’s main tenant.

April 7 meeting on 1860 Bayview plan

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A post on the Byford’s Blog gives notice of a Community Consultation Meeting on April 7 regarding the 1860 Bayview Avenue proposed development. This is the project which would be built on the old Brennan Pontiac site involving Loblaws, the LCBO and others. According to the Broadway Residents Working Group, the purpose of this meeting is for “the community to have input on this project, view the plans and ask questions. It recommends that all parties plan to attend this meeting.