Secondary school teachers are on their second one-day strike to force contract demands Wednesday as the government warns the cost of a settlement on the union’s terms could run to an estimated $7 billion. Education Minister Stephen Lecce claims that demands by Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF) members would cost $1.6 billion over the life of a three-year contract. If the same costs spread to all provincial education workers, the cost would hit almost $3 billion in the third year of contracts and the total cost of all contracts could be in the ballpark of $7 billion, the government estimates.
Nathan Downer to anchor CTV Toronto with Michelle Dube
by •
Nathan Downer will co-host CTV Toronto News with Michelle Dube
Nathan Downer, long-time CP24 newscaster and reporter, has been appointed co-anchor of the CTV Toronto News with Michelle Dube. Ken Shaw announced his retirement from the position last week.
Farm Boy to open five more Toronto stores
Farm Boy has announced plans to open nine new stores across Ontario in the next two years, including five in Toronto. The grocer with the cute name is owned by Empire Inc of Nova Scotia. It will locate at 777 Bay St. in College Park, Yonge and Soudan, Front and Bathurst, Dundas and Aukland in Etobicoke and 740 Dupont St between Shaw and Christie Sts.
Three trucks, trailer and two people plunge through Lake Winnipeg ice.
Experienced fishermen are shaking their heads after three trucks, a trailer and two people went through the ice near Balsam Harbour, Manitoba while ice fishing Sunday afternoon. Dean Stockmann, who has been ice fishing for nearly 30 years, happened to be on scene shortly after the vehicles were submerged because he was meeting a buddy near the lake. The trucks and trailer were already underwater when he got there, and the people who went in the water were making their way to shore, he said. CBC
Kathleen Wynne witnesses unveiling of her official portrait
by •
Former Premier looks on as Lieutenant Governor and Premier Ford unveil official painting
Painting rendered by artist Linda Kooluris-Dobbs
The official portrait of former Premier Kathleen Wynne has been unveiled at the Legislature by Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell and Premier Doug Ford Monday afternoon. Wynne, the member for Don Valley West, spoke of her hope that the painting, and her career as Ontario’s only women premier, will inspire young women to seek high office in politics. The portrayal is by artist Linda Kooluris-Dobbs. It shows a pair of track shoes on the then-premier’s desk, a symbolic reminder of her athleticism. A crowd of dignitaries including politicians from across the political spectrum, supporters and family members attended the unveiling ceremony, an honour bestowed on all past premiers.
Video sought of wheelchair-car crash at Eglinton/Brentcliffe
by •
Police are now asking for video showing last Friday’s collision between a motorized wheelchair and a Kia sedan at Eglinton Ave. E and Brentciffe Rd. It occurred around 6 p.m. as a man, 58, in the wheelchair crossed Eglinton from south to north. He was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries. The driver remained at the scene. Eglinton re-opened after collision closure near Brentcliffe
Victoria Park CI under lockdown, cops hunt man wth knife
by •
Victoria Park Collegiate Institute, 15 Wallingford Rd., was placed lockdown and searched early Monday afternoon after a report of a man with a knife. By mid-afternoon, police said the search had yielded no suspect and the lockdown was lifted.
Appalling conditions at Delhi where 43 workers die in fire
by •
Man sustains treatable cuts in morning stabbing on Dawes
by •
Police search for evidence at Dawes Rd. and Gower Ave early Monday/CBC Toronto
A stabbing outside a small cafe in the 400-block of Dawes Rd. at Gower Ave. in East York early Monday has caused a man serious injuries. Police say there was a fight outside the restaurant about 1 a.m. The victim is said to be recovering.
Large fire at factory in Schomberg closes Hwy 9 at Hwy 27
by •
Fire at building in Schomberg industrial area/CTV Twitter
Schomberg fire/NEW TECUMSETH FIRE @NewTecFireChief
A factory fire in the industrial area of Schomberg has closed roads in the area. The business in question is said to be Aerospace Metal Finishing on Proctor Road. Most notably, Highway 9 is (or was) closed in both directions between Leonard Rd and Highway 27. There are no reports of injuries.
Peril to dogs from coyotes reviewed by Citytv’s Tina Yazdani
by •
Portrait of Premier Wynne to be unveiled at Legislature
by •
The official portrait of Ontario’s first woman premier is set to be unveiled at the Legislature Monday afternoon. TVO reports that Kathleen Wynne’s picture was done by artist Linda Kooluris-Dobbs, who also painted the official portraits of former premier David Peterson and former lieutenant-governor Hal Jackman. Twitter
What? Lowly Leafs whip division-leading Blues in St. Louis
by •
A truly remarkable performance from the Leafs in St. Louis Saturday even as they remain dead last in the Atlantic Division and the Blues lead the Central Division.
Heartsick chat mourns Florabunda, victim of rent increases
by •
There is a rather heartsick discussion underway at the Leslieville Facebook page regarding the closing of popular florist Florabunda at 1131 Queen St. East. The long thread laments the shop’s closure after ten years because of rent increases. Now the sterility of what comes next. It’s been replaced by Domino’s Pizza. No doubt some want pizza but it is boring beyond belief. The issue is well known to affluent Midtown neighborhoods but apparently less virulent in small business districts like South Bayview. FB
Florabunda now closed at 1131 Queen St. East