MOH says 3rd presumptive coronavirus patient doing well

A woman in her 20s who is said to be doing “quite well” is the third presumptive case of coronavirus infection in Ontario, health officials announced Monday morning. The woman is in isolation at home. Toronto Medical Officer of Health Dr Eileen de Villa says the woman’s condition had been “improving and resolving for a couple of weeks now,” after she travelled to Wuhan and the Hubei province of China in January, prior to the region being cut off from the outside world on January 23.

Checking other passengers within two seats

De Villa said that when the woman arrived in Toronto on February 21, she was told to call Telehealth Ontario, who after learning of her travel history and symptoms, told her to go straight to North York General Hospital. “Since arriving in Toronto the individual has had very limited exposure to others,” de Villa said. She said they are following up with everyone who sat within two seats on the plane with the woman diagnosed with the virus. Ontario’s three other patients, a Toronto couple in their 50s and a London woman in her 20s, have all since fully recovered.

Woman bystander, 40, hurt in Flemingdon Park rampage

A woman in her 40s suffered serious injuries following a shooting rampage by three men in Flemingdon Park Police say the three sprayed bullets at a townhome complex on Vendome Place near Don Mills Rd and Eglinton Ave. around 3:30 p.m. The woman was apparently a bystander and unintended victim. Police say three suspects approached the townhome in a white sedan. Two of the men got out and opened fire before they all fled in the vehicle along Grenoble Drive.

BC 649 ticket wins $5 million, added million won in Ontario

The $5 million jackpot in Saturday night’s Lotto 649 draw was won by a ticket holder in British Columbia. And the draw’s guaranteed $1 million prize went to a lottery player in Ontario. The jackpot for the next Lotto 649 draw on Feb. 26 will again be approximately $5 million

Edgy FB exchange about Airbnb basement rental in Leaside

An edgy FB exchange has developed on the Leaside Community account after an Airbnb basement apartment in Leaside was posted to the site. It’s an interesting mix of opinion and sentiment about such rentals.

No winning ticket for Friday’s $65 million Lotto Max prize

No winning ticket was sold for the $65 million jackpot in Friday night’s Lotto Max draw. However, six of the Maxmillion prizes of $1 million each were won. They will be shared by eight ticket holders. The jackpot for the next Lotto Max draw on Feb. 25 will now grow to an eye-popping $70 million, and there will be 20 Maxmillion prizes up for grabs.

Canada waits as Trudeau vows barricades must come down

The government seems to have finally found its voice on the simple matter of law and order Friday as the prime minister announced that Indigenous (and other) barricades at rail crossings must be removed forthwith. The country now awaits the outcome of that ultimatum. Many observers are commenting on the cabinet’s halting conduct. Others say the vast majority of Indigenous people are opposed to these blockades. News leads

City details planning for possible collection strike next week

The City’s plan for a civic worker’s strike February 27 has been released. A strike by CUPE Local 416 would suspend garbage collection east of Yonge St. and close recreation centres. News conference

Teachers swarm Queen’s Park in four-union Friday wallop

Thousands of teachers from all four teachers’ unions in Ontario are picketing at Queen’s Park Friday. The most prominent union talking point is cuts to education. The minister, Stephen Lecce, was interviewed by Mike Crawley of the CBC. He said a recent issue between the unions and the government is a demand that hiring be done according to seniority, something the ministry rejects. Lecce is interviewed by Cynthia Mulligan

 

Friends fundraiser March 12 will honour late Steven Creber

Four Leaside friends are organizing a benefit to raise money for a welcoming public space at Michael Garron Hospital in honour of the late Steven Creber. The inspiration for the project comes from Lara Creber, an energetic mother of three boys 17, 15 and 11. On the tenth anniversary last October of her husband’s death at the MGH, Lara posted her intention to pursue this goal. The post caught the eye of Andy Elder, owner of Grilltime Meats. Andy is a tireless caterer and patron of charitable causes in the community. Lara is a Grilltime supporter so it was soon decided that Andy’s forthcoming Just B Cause night, set for Thursday,  March 12 at Amsterdam Brewery on Esandar Dr., should raise funds for her worthy project. Lara’s friends Carolyn Armstrong and Mary Holmes have joined in the work with a special focus on the evening’s auction. Tickets are $50 each with live music by Robbie and Matthew. Even if you can’t attend, you may wish to donate

Mr. Bentley is enertaining at the Canadian Int’l Auto Show

A sweet, smart Bulldog named Mr Bentley is entertaining visitors to the Canadian International Auto Show. It’s on until Sunday at the Toronto Convention Centre.

Two dead, 90 injured in big 200-vehicle crash at Montreal

Property taxes, TTC fares up as City struggles to pay its way

City Council has approved the 2020 operating budget. Faiza Amin with which Torontonians can expect to pay more, and how officials are accounting for a $77 million funding gap.