“Parkland” behind arena to remain ever isolated, unused?

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Quiet open space behind Leaside Gardens
Old out building
Greenery with trees
Walkway past Bert F. Grant Rink
Noble boulder
No access green space

The pleasant open land that sits behind Leaside Memorial Gardens is a secret to many people. That’s because it’s locked away without access by road or any public entrance. The sole access to this parcel measuring perhaps a third to a half an acre is down the walk way that sits beside the wall to the old rink, now named in honour of local businessman Bert F. Grant. With changing times interest was kindled among some in making the land into a public park. The renovations to the Gardens swimming pool are complete and access to the Gardens from the parkland has been walled off with a high chain link fence. Land at the corner of Southvale and Millwood is about to see a condominium development designed by Shane Baghai. In many ways, it would be nice to have parkland available not just to those who live on Southvale but for everyone on this greenery. But access is difficult. And, homeowners whose properties back onto this quiet secret place (Southvale, Leacrest Road cul-de-sac) might object.

PCs, NDP excoriate Liberals over taxpayer paid Hydro ads

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Both Progressive Conservative and NDP leaders excoriated the Liberal government in the Legislature Monday for using public money to pay for ads that promote reductions to the cost of Hydro. PC leader Brown called the use of public money for the advertising contempt of parliament. The ads so far appear only on radio and the Internet but Energy Minister Glenn Thibeault said the government has spent less than $1 million to date. How much less, he wouldn’t say but he revealed that print and TV ads will likely be added soon.

 

“I just done it for Sophie,” says lad who punched out croc

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Lee De Paauw
Sophie Patterson
Crocodile

Ah the folly of youth. In an Australian outback Sunday Lee De Paauw, 18, suffered severe arm injuries after being grabbed by a crocodile when he splashed into the Johnstone River. De Paauw managed to free himself by punching the reptile in the eye. British backpacker Sophie Patterson, 24, saw the incident and said De Paauw had claimed “I’ll swim out and back.” She said that at first she just said “don’t be so ridiculous” and didn’t think he was going to go through with it. But he did. De Paauw said from his hospital bed about Ms. Patterson. “She’s beautiful, caring and kind. I didn’t know there was a croc there. I just done it for Sophie.”

Poll says 48% oppose Pride ban on cops, but 21% support it

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There is widespread disapproval of the decision by Pride Toronto to eject the police from their annual parade. Forum Research set the number at just under half (48%) who don’t like it. Remarkably, the poll reveals that 2-in-10 of those polled (21%) approve of the lack of a police float. The remainder have no opinion or don’t know. The polls specifics reveal a stunning divide among better-off and better-educated people of the City and those who have less and live downtown. Those most likely to disapprove include respondents aged 35 and over (35-44: 51%), (45-54: 50%), (55-64: 50%), (65+: 49%), earning $60,000 or more ($60,000-$80,000: 57%), ($80,000-$100,000: 59%), ($100,000-$250,000: 58%) with a college or university degree (53%), and supporting the PC (55%) or Liberal (52%) parties. Those most likely to approve include those aged 34 or less (26%), the least wealthy (30%) or earning $20,000-$40,000 (27%), and living in the former City of Toronto (27%).   Forum president Lorne Bozinoff  says the figures show “a really broad spectrum of Toronto residents who would prefer the police have a presence in this year’s parade.” It also suggests a mistrust or dislike of the police among the younger, poorer and some downtown elements of the population.

 

Two mumps cases reported at Ryerson, City total 48

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Two cases of mumps have been reported at Ryerson University. They bring to six the number of students in Toronto diagnosed with the disease. The others are at Forest Hill Collegiate, Davisville Public School, King Edward Public School and Hodgson Senior Public School. There are a total of 48 cases of mumps among the total population reported.

 

Twitter a rich source of valueless Leaside Pokemon alerts

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Monday morning brings Twitter messages #Leaside from Pokemon enthusiasts that their prey may be found on quiet cul de sacs like Berney Crescent (behind Garden Court apartments) or near 921 Wicksteed, a warehouse walled stretch of roadway across from the Home Depot. In recent days, even in cold weather, young men are to be seen lurking near the front door of the Leaside Arena, not to play hockey, but to find Pokemon. Yep.

A taste of the St. Patrick’s parade enjoyed by thousands

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Chief Saunders was there
Leprechaun (left) and keeper
This lady led the Magnolia Brass Band

The 30th Annual Toronto St. Patrick’s Day Parade was welcomed by thousands under sunny skies. It was a typically Toronto event. If you blinked you could miss the Irish. Nonetheless, between the Magnolia Brass Band and many other musical contingents, including a Philippines marching unit, and many others, a fine show was presented

Minor Bantam A Flames and Mustangs go to 4th game

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It was the Minor Bantam A Leaside Flames 0 and Don Mills Mustangs 3 Sunday afternoon at St Michael’s College School Arena in their playoff for top spot in the GTHL East Conference. The loss puts the Flames in a tough spot, trailing in points 3 to 5. Six points wins the title. The fourth game in this series will go Wednesday, March 22 at 6:30 p.m. at Scarborough Gardens, 75 Birchmount Road.