The South Bayview Bulldog

A release Friday afternoon says that the homeless persons hostel at 55/65 Broadway is scheduled to close by the end of August with the occupants being transferred elsewhere. No reference is made to where that might be.

Roehampton Hotel hostel could last three years

The same release notes, as reported, that the Roehampton Hotel at 808 Mt. Pleasant Rd. has been leased for two years as a homeless shelter and adds that there is an option to extend its use for that purpose to a third year. News release

Slow and steady does it for the Big City of Toronto as Friday’s count of COVID-19 new cases has found only 10 among a population of three million. Across the province, the Ministry of Health reports 88 cases. It’s the fifth day in a row Ontario has reported fewer than 100 new COVID-19 infections. The figures are drawn from more than 25,000 tests performed Thursday. There remain as many as 25,000 cases under investigation.

Weird anti-Jewish paranoia has been found running wild in a Toronto Polish-language newspaper called Glos Polski (Polish Voice) according to the National Post. It says the commentary appeared first as the leading front-page article in the March 25 edition of the paper, a weekly with offices on Royal York Rd. In discussing the origins of COVID-19, the story suggests that “biological weapons are being worked on in the US and Israel not by just any experts, but (under) the leadership of usually Jewish psychopaths.”

Canada will impose retaliatory tariffs on US goods in response to President Donald Trump’s apparent election decision to restore a 10 percent tariff on Canadian aluminum imports. Trailing in polls four months before the US general election, Trump made the announcement during a campaign speech at a Whirlpool factory in Ohio. He framed the tariff not as protectionism but as a concern for national security. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland announced the measures within hours of Trump’s decision. Freeland, in a statement, said Canada “intends to swiftly impose dollar-for-dollar countermeasures” in response.

New York State is out to dissolve the National Rifle Association. It filed a lawsuit Thursday that says the potent gun lobby has abused its charitable status for years. Many are saying this move recalls how the FBI jailed Al Capone by arresting him for tax evasion. Let’s see what happens. Then there’s that lively East York lawyer, Leslyn Lewis, who’s running to become leader of the Conservative Party. Not likely she will win but welcome to the race, Leslyn. Below that, an informative City News report with details of how the TDSB hopes to keep kids safe this fall. Finally, call it Me-Too Lite as Ellen and her team come under fire for toxicity. What’s that? Like so much cancel-culture gunfire, there’s lots of noise but not a lot of discernable damage (or detail).

Interim Chief James Ramer

Interim Chief James Ramer will speak and answer questions at a news conference Thursday morning at 10 a.m. It can be seen live on the TPS YouTube channel.

The police dog known as Phantom was more than a fright in the night for two burglars in Forest Hill Tuesday when he and his handler found the perps hiding in a house under construction. A break-in was seen underway at a distance by security guards who called 53 division. Phantom arrived with PC Butt and soon sniffed out the fugitives. All of this in the middle of the night near Spadina Rd. and Kilberry Rd.

Minister Anita Anand

Canada has signed deals with US labs Pfizer and Moderna to secure millions of doses of their experimental COVID-19 vaccines, in case either of the candidates is approved for wide-scale use. Procurement Minister Anita Anand is keeping mum on just how much has been ordered as talks continue with other potential suppliers.

Feds see vaccine deliveries in 2021

Talks are ongoing with several potential suppliers, she said. After a company pronounces a vaccine safe and effective, Health Canada must approve it for use. Anand said once that happens, she anticipates delivery of approved vaccines in 2021.

Old maple comes down on Sutherland Drive near MIllwood Rd.

City maples may live 100 years

Into the chipper

This noble old tree fell to Weller Tree Service Wednesday. It carried the fateful red dot marking it for removal.