The South Bayview Bulldog

Please, officer, get us to the Clamshell on time/TPS

Ron Fanfair of the Toronto Police Service tells the story of how PC Marcie Beaven-Brindle agreed to take a stranded pair of sweethearts to City Hall in time for their marriage. It happened on February 19 when Brijesh Patel and Arohie Chopra found their ride-share car hopelessly stuck behind road closures related to the trucker convoy nuttiness. Desperate not to miss the time set for their civil ceremony, Brijesh dared to ask Constable Beaven-Brindle for a lift. Well, she said yes. And there’s nothing like some flashing lights and the odd woot woot from the siren to clear the way to a happy wedding day. Police escort down the aisle.

Brijesh Patel and Arohie Chopra happily wed/TPS

The situation on the ground in Ukraine is grim Saturday as politicians take up arms and many families hide in bomb shelters. Russian lies about the nature of the Kyiv government seem increasingly outlandish. So, is Putin’s decision to make war all about a fragile ego (he’s got a big one) or a genuine fear for the future of Russia? This report by Eric Sorensen addresses that question.

As seen in the 1980s/HBC Heritage

Hudson’s Bay will close its landmark store at Yonge and Bloor Sts on May 31, the company has announced. It says the location at Queen and Yonge will continue to serve the community with a “seamless omnichannel experience.” As explained by CTV, the closure of Hudson’s Bay on Bloor follows a legal battle between the company and the Ontario government last year. At the time, shopping malls were forced to close due to pandemic public health measures and Hudson’s Bay stopped paying its rent. Although, a provincial judge later ordered the department store chain to pay 90 percent of its rent and resume full payments by Nov. 2021.

Vladimir Putin, the former KGB agent who has become more or less Russia’s president for life, has invaded Ukraine. The invading forces are on the outskirts of the capital, Kyiv, and it seems Putin would simply like to swallow up Ukraine holus-bolus. Euronews breaking stories

Want to help Ukraine?

Canadian government reportedly matching individual donations up to $10M. Several Canadian charities accepting monetary donations for humanitarian aid. More here

Implicit threat of nuclear war

It appears that the horrifying prospect of mutual self-destruction by nuclear war is among Putin’s weapons. According to this account, he didn’t use the actual words but the meaning seems clear.

Ontario Medical Officer of Health Dr. Keiren Moore continues to speak positively about a time when the compulsory mask order will be lifted. But during his regular press briefing Thursday he declined to set a date. Dr Moore said he expects mask requirements will end “simultaneously” across most areas (stores and schools) when it is safe to do so, rather than on a piecemeal basis. Quebec has announced a plan to lift the mask mandate in elementary and secondary school classrooms by March 14 en route to eventually scrapping it for other indoor public settings as well. Moore said Ontario will instead look to lift the mandate entirely, with exceptions likely to be made for certain high-risk settings like public transit and hospitals where masks have provided a “safety net.”

A loyal reader has sent us a photo of the sign on the door of the now closed, South China Restaurant at 513 Mt. Pleasant Road. They have closed after 65 years in business.

Over on Eglinton Avenue West, Torontonians are lining up for their final taste from Randy’s Patties after 40 years in business. Drake offered to buy the place, but we’re not sure if Instagram is a legit way to purchase businesses. Time will tell.

Randy's Patties is absolutely packed today as the takeout spot announced they are closing after 40 years in Toronto – 📹 @brianabrieiro #Toronto #RandysPatties #BusinessClosure pic.twitter.com/L0BgufCU9l

— blogTO (@blogTO) February 24, 2022

Mayor Tory has tweeted photos of the Ukrainian flag being raised at Toronto’s City Hall in support of Ukraine, its people, and our city’s Ukrainian-Canadian community. News & commentary about the Russian invasion of Ukraine on Twitter

Today, I raised the Ukrainian flag at City Hall in support of Ukraine, its people, and our city’s Ukrainian-Canadian community.

Toronto stands in solidarity with Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/Lwn0Ncjri9

— John Tory (@JohnTory) February 24, 2022

The Ontario Provincial Police say a serious crash occurred between two transport trucks on the eastbound express lanes of Highway 401 before Leslie Street on Thursday morning.

Update: All lanes reopened #Hwy401 EB express at Leslie

— OPP Highway Safety Division (@OPP_HSD) February 24, 2022

A winter weather travel advisory has been issued for the GTA. Snowfall accumulations of 5 to 10 cm and blowing snow are anticipated to start Thursday overnight and continue into Friday morning.

“A developing low pressure centre will bring a swath of snow to the region Thursday overnight into Friday morning. Motorists should expect hazardous winter driving conditions and adjust travel plans accordingly. Poor weather conditions may contribute to transportation delays. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow. Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to ONstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #ONStorm.”