The South Bayview Bulldog

Trust fund set up for Lisa Libitka's children

2012-01-28T20:32:00.000-05:00

The children of Lisa Libika are now having to live on without their mother. She was murdered in an incident at her home on Airdrie Road. The details of this matter will be the subject of a criminal. trial. A trust fund has been set up for Ms. Libitka' three children, aged 11 and younger. Contributions can be made to The Donaldson Children’s Trust at Scotiabank’s 1547 Bayview Ave. location, also known as the Bayview Ave.and Millwood Rd. branch..

Nostalgic for the South Bayview of Y2K

2012-01-28T16:13:00.008-05:00

Three months after Homefront opened on South Bayview the Globe and Mail published a feature called Eclectic Bayview. It appeared September 10, 2000 and featured a little map (right) showing what the author thought was the heart of the district. All the shop owners were flattered. There were seven named. They were Inquisitive, The Country Store, Early Canadian Furniture, Horticultural Design, Nestings, Homefront and M.E.G.S. Ten years has passed and, with Homefront slated to consolidate with its store at 371 Eglinton Ave. West, there will be two of the originals left on South Bayview. That of course is business. But we can't help feeling sorry about closures on Bayview. The Globe's article was highly personalized view of Bayview. As history has shown there are many other businesses that make the street exciting. And there have been openings. Detail, Oddjects, Moms to be and More and DEW, for example.

Sunnybrook Park puppy wants to go home

2012-01-28T11:49:00.001-05:00

There's a puppy found from our area. The folks at Animal Adventures Dog Walking and Pet Sitting are asking if you know this dog. They'd like to return him to the owners. Here's the story: "Found Thursday Jan 26 @ Sunnybrook in the woods along the east side of the park. Male puppy approximately 4 months old. Primarily a black and brown with white spots on chest. No collar not microchipped. If you know who he is please contact 647-893-2696. He is listed with Humane Society and Animal Control as well."

Kids are good and scared by roaming dinos

2012-01-27T21:16:00.001-05:00

Hey, it's going to be ok,ay. It's an Animatronic Dinosaur, one of several which are roaming a museum in Sydney, Australia. They are given life-like qualities by the use of mechatronics. See the entertaining video by clicking the headline above.

Accused are named in Lobster Trap holdup

2012-01-27T17:39:00.002-05:00

Brian Pich, 23, of Mississauga, Javon Edwards, 24, of Toronto, Brian Mensah, 22, of Toronto, Awale Dirie, 18, of Toronto, and Aman Ali, 18, of Toronto, are each charged with 11 counts of robbery while armed with a firearm, 11 counts of forcible confinement, assault with a weapon, weapons dangerous and disguise with intent. Police allege they burst into the Lobster Trap about 10 pm ordering customers and staff to the floor. They took phones and cash from the restaurant till.

Greenwood grad Tom Wilson top NHL prospect

2012-01-27T10:59:00.033-05:00

Tom Wilson was a hockey hero at Greenwood College School on Mt. Pleasant. Now the talented 17-year-old is playing right wing for the Plymouth Whalers (Plymouth Michigan) and attracting the attention of NHL scouts from everywhere. He is said to be 33rd in the NHL's mid-term draft prospect rankings. This year's stats: 21 points (6 goals, 15 assists) in 39 games/plus-15/120 penalty minutes. Here is comment from Buzzing the Net: "The 6-foot-4, 200-pound Torontonian profiles classic power winger who seems to be in short supply in the Ontario Hockey League nowadays. Wilson is a good confluence of skill — the Whalers would not have him paired up with NHL first-rounder J.T. Miller if he didn't — and size. He's also well-aware that he has to tailor his bashing style of play to the new reality of junior hockey"

Mugging near Roehampton and Mt Pleasant

2012-01-27T09:57:00.006-05:00

TPS report: A 17 year old male reports that on January 25, 2012 at approximately 1000 hours he was in the area of Mount Pleasant Road and Roehampton Avenue, when he was approached by a male suspect. The suspect grabbed the victim by the arm and made a demand for his iPod. The victim complied and the suspect fled the scene westbound on Roehampton Avenue. The victim did not sustain any injuries. Police are requesting the assistance of the public in identifying the following described person in connection with this offence. Description of Suspect: Male, black, 13-17 years, 5’11”, 141 pounds, medium build, short black hair.

Ed note: this is the most recent in such incidents around Roehampton Ave. Results for all reports may be seen by clicking the headline above.

U of T team finds 190 million year old dino eggs

2012-01-26T23:27:00.004-05:00

SOUTH AFRICA -- An ancient dinosaur nesting site, the oldest ever found, has been excavated in the Free State, the University of the Witwatersrand said on Wednesday. Paleontologists found clutches of eggs, many with embryos, as well as tiny dinosaur footprints Researchers said this was the oldest known evidence showing that dinosaur hatchlings remained at the nesting site long enough to at least double in size.The nests were from the prosauropod dinosaur known as the Massospondylus and were 190-million-year-old. At least ten nests were found at several levels. Each one had up to 34 round eggs in tightly-clustered clutches. The researchers said the distribution of the nests in the sediments showed the dinosaurs returned repeatedly to the site, and apparently nested together. The research was led by Canadian paleontologist, Robert Reisz, a professor of biology at the University of Toronto. Hans-Dieter Sues from the Smithsonian Institute in the United States, Eric Roberts from James Cook University in Australia, and Adam Yates from Wits, were part of the team. Reisz said he suspected there were many more nests in the cliff still covered by tons of rock.

Man nabbed for holdup at Eglinton and Laird

2012-01-26T20:40:00.003-05:00

A man is in custody accused of at least two bank robberies including the Scotiabank branch at Eglinton Ave E and Laird December 23.. The robber gained the named of the Mod Bandit. He was apparently arrested Monday without incident after a tip from the public. The two robberies were at a CIBC branch at 3324 Keele St. on January 6, 2012 and the Scotiabank at 880 Eglinton Ave. E. on December 23, 2011 In the CIBC robbery, a bandit claimed he was armed with a gun before demanding cash from a teller. In the Scotiabank holdup a man asked a bank employee if he could deposit money into his sister’s account. The robber reached into a knapsack and pulled out a note which demanded cash and said he had a gun. Yonas Tecle, 29, of Toronto, is charged with two counts of robbery.

Ivory elephant offers time capsule puzzle

2012-01-26T13:07:00.006-05:00

A copper box time capsule buried under the cornerstone of Maple Leaf Gardens has been opened to reveal items both predictable and mysterious. One of the unexplained pieces is the ivory elephant shown above. Toronto residents are being asked to offer an explanation for the elephant. It does seem possible that this was a good luck charm of some type. Perhaps Conn Smythe was hoping for good fortune as he opened this arena in the darkest days of the Great Depression. Among the items inside, a four-page typewritten letter from the directors of Maple Leaf Gardens that describes the building and the technology behind the ice. And,

• A four-page stock prospectus for Maple Leaf Gardens

• A 1930-31 official NHL rule book

• The 1931 official hockey rules of the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association

• 1930 Ontario Hockey Association rules

• A 1931 Toronto Municipal handbook

• A Red Ensign flag

• A Globe newspaper from Sept. 21, 1931, sporting the headline ‘Britain abandons gold standard exchanges’

• A Mail and Empire newspaper from the same date with a similar headline

• A Toronto Daily Star

• The Evening Telegram

Husband of Ottawa news anchor missing

2012-01-26T12:45:00.002-05:00

Greg Etue, 56, the husband of CTV Ottawa anchor Carol Anne Meehan, is still missing, Ottawa police said Thursday. On Wednesday Ottawa police issued a second appeal to the public to keep an eye out for Etue, who was last seen Jan. 16 driving a 2008 Pontiac Montana van with a Thule ski box on top. “This is a nightmare that is now into its 8th day,” Meehan posted on her Facebook page Tuesday. Ms Meehan is the 6 pm anchor on CTV's Ottawa's local news. Police described Etue as white, 5-foot-9 and slim, with short grey hair and blue eyes. He was wearing a grey jacket, a baseball hat and winter boots. Etue, who is a pharmacist and a father of two, has both multiple sclerosis and cancer.

MLG time capsule opening this morning

2012-01-26T10:38:00.008-05:00

The contents of a time capsule found during the renovation of Maple Leaf Gardens will be revealed today in Toronto. The opening ceremony was to begin at 10.30. Above is a picture of the 1931 corner stone laying. The capsule may have been buried the same day. See previous post by clicking headline above. The time capsule was found by workers as the building was being remodelled to house a Loblaws grocery store and an athletic centre for Ryerson University. The box was found underneath a stone at the front of Maple Leaf Gardens. Maple Leaf Gardens was built by Conn Smythe in 1931 and the Toronto Maple Leafs played there until 1999. The time capsule contents are to go on display this afternoon at Ryerson University. More to come.

Park Middle School safety night

2012-01-26T10:32:00.001-05:00

Tonight (January 26, 2012) at 6.45 pm at Park Middle School on Overlea Blvd there will be two speakers addressing pedestrian safety. Sergeant Jack West will speak about laws specific to pedestrians and to provide safety tips to students and parents. Also attending will be guest speaker Ned Levitt, author of the book “No Mountain Too High,” afather’s inspiring journey through grief. He touches on the human side of being a parent wholost his daughter, Stacey, 18, who was hit and killed by a car as she stepped off a curb to cross the street while out for a jog. Stacey was a student at Northern Secondary School. In 2010, the TPS investigated 20 fatal pedestrian collisions. Of these, 11 involved pedestrians crossing mid−block. In 2011, five fatal pedestrian collisions occurred while pedestrians were crossing mid−block. A large number of community members will be attending this presentation. The information from this event is something every student and parent must hear.

Five charged after robbery at Lobster Trap

2012-01-26T09:05:00.004-05:00

The Lobster Trap, the landmark restaurant at 1962 Avenue Road, was robbed last night by a gang of people. It has been reported that as many as ten suspects were been taken into custody after police stopped a car on the Allen Expressway shortly after the robbery. As of this morning however, police have laid charges against five. Witnesses report that five men burst into the restaurant through the back door while patrons were eating. They robbed the staff and customers at knife point. More to come.

Toronto makes fried chicken of backyard hens

2012-01-25T16:02:00.005-05:00

A resounding 5-0 vote today has put an end to the prospect of live chickens in Toronto backyards. The licensing and standards committee had no time for the idea with one councilor saying “If you want chickens, go to a farm, buy a farm.”

The chicken, the egg and South Bayview

2012-01-25T10:41:00.002-05:00

Wondering about your neighbor? Is he an urban egg producer waiting to hatch? Word that Toronto is inching closer to allowing backyard chickens must be causing a few uneasy thoughts. The licensing and standards committee is expected to vote today on whether to ask for a strategy proposal on allowing it. The mainspring of this plan is Joe Mihevc, councillor for Ward 21. It sits between Spadina Rd and Ossington Ave in the centre of town. Mr. Mihevc says there are a number of residents who wish to keep hens in their backyards to produce eggs for personal use. In Leaside? Davisville Village? Moore Park or Bennington Heights? Do our neighborhoods contain such secret folk? Well perhaps. Mr. Mihevc says cities such as Kingston, Ont., Vancouver, New York, Cleveland, and Los Angeles have modified their regulations to include backyard hens. Toronto would have to establish regulations governing potential issues such as noise, odour, separation distances, selling of eggs, and waste disposal, he says. Let's hope so.

Bonnie Brooks takes helm at Lord and Taylor

2012-01-24T23:02:00.003-05:00

Bonnie Brooks (left) has been appointed to head up both The Bay as well as its U.S. sister department store Lord and Taylor. She replaces Brendan Hoffman at Lord and Taylor. He is said to be heading to another retailer, Bon Ton. As a news conference today Ms Brooks refused to deny the idea that Lord and Taylor would make a move to Canada, or what form that move might take. Trish Stuebing's Homefront Diary

Eglinton's Cantonese landmarks vanishing

2012-01-24T21:08:00.004-05:00

Hard on news that China House at 925 Eglinton West has closed for good, comes news that House of Chan, across the street, will also close. House of Chan will fall to the wreckers ball in a couple of years to make way for the Bathurst LRT station. Generations of Toronto families have dined on the traditional Cantonese dishes of these two restaurants. The changes are no doubt partly due to the profusion of Chinese cuisine elsewhere in the City. It is said that the valuable property where China House thrived for more than 60 years will now be developed into a condominium. House of Chan and a few other business on the northwest corner of Eglinton and Bathurst will come down to permit additional access to the LRT. At a public meeting before Christmas many of these details were presented to local residents. It was revealed that a small plaza at the northeast corner will be the site of the main station. Secondary entrance across Bathurst will require demolition of Israel's Judaica and House of Chan. A third property, Halleluia Restaurant, which is situated between House of Chan and Israel's Judaica and is now vacant, will also be torn down. A second public open house for the Bathurst Station design is scheduled for next spring.

Beating victim comes out of coma

2012-01-24T14:56:00.001-05:00

A Canadian woman who was badly beaten in a Mexican luxury resort hotel over the weekend has been taken out of a medically induced coma but can't talk because her jaw is wired shut, her family says. CBC story linked to headline above.

Celtic dance and dinner February 4, 2012

2012-01-24T10:42:00.001-05:00

There will be Celtic Dinner and Dance Fundraiser at Leaside United Church Saturday February 4th, 6pm. On the agenda is Celtic Dancing featuring “Sandy Macintyre and Steeped in Tradition”. Dinner is included and there will be a silent auction. Proceeds will go to the El Hogar Project of aid to Honduras. To purchase tickets please contact Jenn at (416) 423-4333 or beamerone@roger.com or Brenda at (416)489-093 or brendafrench@rogers.com

Mexico victim is from Calgary

2012-01-23T15:31:00.001-05:00

A Calgary woman, 37 year old Sheila Nabb, has been identified as the person who was savagely beaten in a five star hotel in Mexico. Ms Nabb remains in hospital with her husband Andrew and father in law nearby. Ms Nabb was on vacation at the Hotel Riu in Punta Cerritos, Mazatlan region, with her husband when the incident occurred. Nabb’s uncle, Robert Prosser of Kingston N.S., where the victim’s originally from, said her husband Andrew awoke early Friday morning to find her missing — not in bed and nowhere to be found in their room. Mr Prosser is quoted as saying: “They had gone to bed Thursday night, and sometime between the time they went to bed and 6 a.m. (when Andrew woke up), Sheila had left the room and got in the elevator.,”

Sale on signature lines goes on at Homefront

2012-01-23T13:29:00.002-05:00

Your response to our 15 percent discount on designer pieces until January 31, 2012, has been great. The sale goes on so don't miss an opportunity to add to your collection of Simon Pearce, Emma Bridgewater, Julia Knight and Michael Aram. Homefront has many other discounts up to 50 percent as well on Linens, Blankets, Glass and Door Mats. Bonnie Franca and I are off to buy at the Gift show next week so if there is anything you want us to look for just call or email. Trish Stuebing

Curling for Kids Saturday, January 28

2012-01-23T11:19:00.000-05:00

Heather and Brian Purcell are hosting their annual fundraiser for Sick Kids known as Curling for Kids this Saturday, January 28, 2012. The event is at Leaside Arena and kicks off about 7 pm. with curling (of course) followed by a silent auction and dinner. Curling for Kids is formally approved by the Hospital for Sick Children and once again this year the hospital has written a letter supporting the work of Heather and Brian. Those who wish more information may call Heather (416) 544-9749 or Brian (416) 452-4580. Stock photo

RIM bosses step down, Heins is new CEO

2012-01-22T22:47:00.002-05:00

Reuters: Mike Lazaridis and Jim Balsillie have bowed to investor pressure and resigned as co-CEOs and co-chairmen, handing the top job to an insider with four years at the struggling BlackBerry maker. Thorsten Heins, a former Siemens executive who has risen steadily through RIM's upper management ranks since joining the Canadian company in late 2007, took over as CEO on Saturday, RIM said on Sunday.

Canadian woman savagely attacked in Mexico

2012-01-22T21:43:00.001-05:00

A young Canadian woman has been badly assaulted in a five-star Mazatlan hotel where she was staying. She is said to be unconscious and there is no information as to whether she was accompanied on her trip. Canadian diplomats have been in contact with the family of a the woman. She was attacked possibly while in her room at the Riu Emerald Bay and Resort Hotel (inset). Mexican federal police have told CBC News that the woman, reportedly in her 20s, was found lying in an elevator early Saturday.

Dutch girl, 16, world's youngest solo sailor

2012-01-22T20:57:00.001-05:00

Dutch teen sailor Laura Dekker has beaten Jessica Watson's record for youngest solo world tour

Fund for Newman boys set up by family

2012-01-22T12:58:00.000-05:00

As reported below, the three sons of Katherine and Kyle Newman have been left without their parents following the shocking violence of ten days ago. The trust fund site, which can be accessed by clicking on the headline above, states the following wishes and hopes:

While some continue to have questions about the circumstances behind these tragic events, due to the continuing police investigation and in sensitivity to the three young survivors, there will be no further comment from the family. Katherine was a wonderful woman who we loved deeply and her single concern was her children, therefore, out of respect for her memory, the family will only respond to questions about the boys' Education and Care Fund. Ensuring that they have a promising future and helping them rebuild after this senseless act is our sole interest. Again, thank you to family and friends who have expressed their condolences. Our hearts are broken and the pain we all feel is overwhelming. Though we can never replace the loss of Katherine's light from our lives, we have three living reminders of the love she brought to us, and to this world, and we will always be endlessly thankful for them.

Funeral for Kyle Newman at Humphrey's

2012-01-21T19:43:00.007-05:00

A funeral for Kyle Newman, 43, was held Saturday at the Humphrey Funeral Home at Bayview and St Cuthberts. Mr Newman died January 12, 2012 in a confrontation with Oakville police shortly after his wife Katherine was found stabbed to death in her nearby home. The heartbreaking story in InsideHalton.com describes the earlier funeral of Mrs Newman and the trust fund set up for the three surviving sons of Katherine Newman and Kyle Newman. Donations for the education and care of Thomas, 12, Joshua, 10, and James, 7, may be made at any Bank of Montreal to Account 3986401 or can be made online at http://www.NewmanBoysTrustFund.ca/.

Brilliant Saturday warmed South Bayview

2012-01-21T12:26:00.014-05:00

A brilliant Saturday brought out the shoppers along South Bayview, and no doubt provided ideal conditions for many other activities. Although temperatures barely broke above zero, the sunshine made many people warm indeed. Sunday is forecast to be similar with the high predicted at minus one. Next week temps are expected to creep above freezing during the day.

Two weeks in the life of 48 Donlea Drive

2012-01-20T23:45:00.000-05:00

Pictures taken January 5, 2012 (left) and January 20, 2012 (right) show how the generally nice weather is driving construction in our area.

"Help! I've been mugged in England"

2012-01-20T22:42:00.005-05:00

A current scam is the email from someone you actually know, asking desperately for the loan of money because they've been left penniless by a mugger in England. But of course it's not from you're friend. This is the work of thieves who have gained your address by hacking your friend's mail account. Police say the mail usually originates not in the UK but in Nigeria, or perhaps Russia. Here is an example that came through our mail recently.

"Hello,

This message may be coming to you as a surprise but I need your help.Few days back my family and I made an unannounced vacation trip to West Midlands.UK. Everything was going fine until last night when we were mugged on our way back to the hotel.They Stole all our cash,credit cards and cellphone but thank God we still have our lives and passports safe. The hotel manager has been unhelpful to us for reasons i don't know.I'm writing you from a local library. I've reported to the police and after writing down some statements that's the last i had from them.i contacted the consulate and all i keep hearing is they will get back to me. Our return flight leaves soon...I need you to help me out with a fast loan to settle our bills here so we can get back home . I'll refund the money I've reported to the police and after writing down some statements that's the last i had from them.i contacted the consulate and all i keep hearing is they will get back to me. Our return flight leaves soon...I need you to help me out with a fast loan to settle our bills here so we can get back home . I'll refund the money as soon as we get back. All i need is ($1,650)..Let me know what you can do so I can tell you how to get the money to me."

New fence in classical style along Moore Ave.

2012-01-20T14:48:00.000-05:00

Residents of Bennington Heights and Moore Park have no doubt noticed that there is a fine new fence going in along the souith perimeter of Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Work began at the west end and is about a third of the way down to the other, which is the line between the cemetery and the IntegraCare offices at Bayview. Builders on the scene boasted that their construction is fully welded (not clamped) and that while galvanized steel looks like wrought iron, it will never rust. The fence is in a standardized classical style and replaces (right) the badly aged chain link fence.

Last minute nail biting about arena funding

2012-01-20T09:41:00.000-05:00

Peter Kuitenbrouwer in the National Post says there was last minute biting of nails among those supporting the expansion of Leaside Arena. He explains.

New selection at Homefront's mat sale

2012-01-19T23:21:00.002-05:00

The sale on coloured occasional mats continues at Homfront with a new selection now on display. These useful and decorative mats range in size from 24 by 36 inches to 24 by 84 inches. There are two styles, natural and polypropylene. All mats are reduced by 20 percent. Also, matching runners measuring 24 by 84 inches are marked down by 30 percent. The great mat sale carries on over the weekend at both stores, 371 Eglinton Ave. West and 1579 Bayview Ave.

Story reviews the two sides of Paul Hindle

2012-01-19T21:02:00.004-05:00

Writer Adrian Morrow in the Globe and Mail pulls together information about Paul Hindle, the local man accused of killing his girlfriend, Lisa Lebitke. An interesting opinion offered by one of subjects is that Ms Libetke knew of her boyfriend's weaknesses with money but that she felt, possibly, that she could change him. Story

The narcotic effect of government spending

2012-01-19T13:05:00.009-05:00

It was Winston Churchill who said that democracy is the worst form of government possible -- except for all the rest. The feckless performance of many City councilors in the budget vote on Tuesday reveals the timeless truth of Churchill's bitter observation. Like almost all of the chest-thumping anti-cutback crowd, the 23 person majority which killed several sensible economies demanded only that there be no cuts whatsoever. They didn't voice a care about over-spending and debt. The offered no alternative solutions to the debt. Thet just wanted their candy. This approach is no less than a crisis for democracy. As Marcus Gee comments in the Globe and Mail, the narcotic effect of spending is worldwide. In places like Greece they correctly fear for the future of democratic government because of it. Marcus Gee.

Scotiabank considers selling Scotia Plaza

2012-01-19T09:12:00.006-05:00

The Bank of Nova Scotia is considering a sale of its Scotia Plaza office tower, one of the largest skyscrapers in Toronto’s financial district. “In the current low-interest rate environment, it’s potentially a good time to sell and we have chosen to explore the sale of Scotia Plaza,” Scotiabank spokeswoman Ann DeRabbie said today in an e-mailed statement. The Toronto-based bank is at “a very early stage in the process,” DeRabbie said. The building could sell for C$1 billion ($992.5 million), according to a report in the Globe and Mail newspaper today.

Donors come through for Leaside Arena

2012-01-18T17:24:00.006-05:00

The following mail has been sent by Brook Biscoe, Arena Board Chair. He notes that local contributions have met the #2.5 million target to obtain City support:

Last night Toronto City Council approved the Leaside Arena Expansion Project as part of the 2012 city budget. The $12.5 million project includes a $7.5 million loan from the city and a $1.5 million loan from the province against future operating revenues, $1 million from the city in accelerated capital improvements, and $2.5 million raised by the local community.

As you know we undertook to have met this local fundraising target by the time city council voted on the budget. And I am pleased to say that we succeeded! Yesterday Expansion Committee Chair Paul Mercer and Fundraising Committee Chair Charlene Kalia confirmed that the $2.5 million cash-in-hand local fundraising target "to get a shovel in the ground" was achieved on Monday and that this information was formally passed on to city officials. Full letter here.

Stacey's dad visits Northern with a warning

2012-01-18T13:27:00.003-05:00

Ned Levitt came to Northern Secondary School on Mt. Pleasant Rd. a few days ago. His visit took place some 17 years after his daughter Stacey, a Northern student, had been killed while jogging. Stacey was wearing headphones as she ran and tragically she was unable to hear oncoming vehicles. After many years of mourning Mr Levitt has found a way to give some meaning to his loss. He speaks to high school kids about the hazards of headphones. Students at Northern Secondary School heard him recall: “Stacy stepped off the curb at the intersection of Ledbury and Lawrence, and she was gone.” Mr. Levitt was speaking on behalf of smartrisk.ca, a national charity dedicated to preventing injuries and saving lives.

Council defeats cutbacks in 23-21 vote

2012-01-18T11:14:00.005-05:00

Tight votes at City Hall last night saw many of the cuts proposed by the Ford administration narrowly defeated. The Sun story here recounts the reactions. It is not clear what this forebodes for the City's finances, although many voices including the mayor's said there had nonetheless been substantial savings. Of particular note was the majority's wish to use the surplus from the land transfer tax as a kind of slush fund to avoid cuts. The budget committee had recommended using this money as a rainy day reserve for the TTC. Using money of a one-time nature in this way leaves Toronto, as usual, still operating beyond its current means.

David MacDonald at Leaside United Church

2012-01-18T08:24:00.005-05:00

We're notified in mail from Geoff Kettel that the Rev. David MacDonald will speak at Leaside United Church this Sunday, January 22, 2012. Mr. MacDonald will preach during Sunday Service at 10.30 am followed by a discussion at a "Justice Cafe" that will begin shortly after the service. Everyone is welcome. Mr. MacDonald has had an interesting political career as a member of the Progressive Ccponservative Party. He was first elected to the Commons in 1965 and represented ridings in Prince Edward Island from 1965-1980, and also served in the Cabinet of former Prime Minister Joe Clark. He later represented the riding of Toronto Centre Rosedale in the early 1980s. He was deeply involved with African famine issues in the 1980s and since 1998 he has been the United Church of Canada’s Special Advisor on Residential Schools.

Budget approved despite unruly rally outside

2012-01-17T23:23:00.005-05:00

There were a number of arrests at City Hall Tuesday night as a rally protesting the Toronto's 2012 budget got out of control. See the video from City News Channel here. Inside, Council passed the budget in relative good order. It backed off on some its planned cutbacks. Some of the rally protesters were trying to get into the building as the debate went on inside. It is reported that at least five people were arrested. Toronto EMS said two people were treated for exposure to pepper spray.

Angry words between captain, coast guard

2012-01-17T14:57:00.001-05:00

Oh Timothy, what a mess

2012-01-17T14:23:00.001-05:00

Did you hear the one about the free coffee promotion? All you had to do to get four 24-pack boxes of single serve coffee was to go on Timothy's Facebook site and say you liked Timothy. It sounds like trouble brewing for Timothy doesn't it'? Even those who participated were skeptical. “4 boxes? really! I hope this isn’t too good to be true...one fan wrote. But it was. Demand far exceeded supply. Worse, Timothy sent mail to its fans saying they would get their coffee. Today the coffee retailer has had to renege on that and apologize.

Flower Nook blooming on Brentcliffe

2012-01-17T14:01:00.003-05:00

Daughter and Mother owners Jennifer and Margaret have housed The Flower Nook in temporary quarters at the corner of Wicksteed Ave. and Brentcliffe Rd. This follows the fire on South Bayview October 14, 2011. It caused serious smoke damage to their shop. They soon realized that the insurance companies move super slowly. The fire originated in Leaside Cleaners next door to the Flower Nook. Business seems brisk at the temporary location where the owners have taken a six month lease. Anyone wishing to contact the shop should go to the Flower Nook site.

COBS will re-open tomorrow

2012-01-17T10:52:00.002-05:00

COBS the bakery is closed for a week to replace flooring in the bread making area at the back of the store. COBS on South Bayview will re-open for business Monday, January 23, 2012

Reckless stunt caused sinking: Italian media

2012-01-16T19:58:00.001-05:00

A Facebook post just minutes before the Costa Concordia hit rocks suggests the ship was sailing precariously close to land as part of a stunt by the captain. The cruise liner's head waiter is from the Island of Giglio and his sister, Patrizia Tievoli, posted on Facebook moments before the accident: "In a short period of time the Concordia ship will pass very close. A big greeting to my brother who finally gets to have a holiday on landing in Savona." According to Italy's Corriere della Sera newspaper, Captain Francesco Schettino sailed the ship dangerously close so head waiter Antonello Tievolli could wave to his family. Corriere della Sera reported Tievoli did not request the sail-by but is said to be "tormented by a sense of guilt" nonetheless. The paper said Giuseppe Tievoli, the waiter's father said: "Antonello called me earlier to say the ship would be passing by the island at around 9.30 and they would come and give us a whistle to say hello. It was something they often did "The ship obviously came too close. I don't know if Antonello asked the captain to come near, but the responsibility is always and only the captain's. "It was only coincidence my son was on board. He was supposed to have disembarked at Savona (on a cruise the week before), but the person who was supposed to replace him wasn't well, so he had to stay on board." Schettino allegedly sailed close to the island as a regular stunt but this time it has resulted in the loss of 6 lives so far. Twenty-nine people remain unaccounted for.

Tim Hortons adds gigantic 24 oz cup

2012-01-16T14:12:00.003-05:00

Tim Hortons is growing the size of its paper cups at the top end. A NEW extra large cup will now tempt Tim fans who really want to float in their java. This top end cup will carry 24 ounces. If you're a Old extra large drinker and you want to stay that way, you'll have to order a Large. The company has provided a picture-easy lineup above. But Tim's will probably get a windfall from those who inadvertently order their old size by mistake and find they have to pay a few cents more.

Leadale Ave. cul de sac draws traffic

2012-01-15T20:39:00.005-05:00

Residents of Leadale Avenue have complained for some time about the barking and parking that goes along with Sandy Bruce Park. That's the large park that sits between the end of the Leadale cul de sac and Moore Ave. Sandy Bruce is a designated off the leash dog park. Trouble is, the hours of business seem to be 24 hours a day. That means the happy canines running free bark until whenever. Owners who park on the cul de sac street have, according to one resident, learned to be a little more considerate when parking. They don't block driveways anymore. Above top is the view north from the end of the quiet street. The park (seen lower left) is a great place for dogs. The park is also accessible at its south end from Moore Ave (lower right) but there is little parking there. It would be possible to park in the Loblaws lot and walk across the street, but that apparently not the way of choice.

Ship sinking is likely to hit the entire industry

2012-01-15T12:29:00.003-05:00

The sinking of the Costa Concordia has sent a wave of apprehension across the cruise world. The effect is world wide as tourist industry officials in Florida brace up for mass cancellations. The Italian cruise line Costa is owned by Florida based Carnival. It is said to be the Miami area's eighth largest employer. Veterans of the cruise line industry can’t remember an accident more dramatic than the one that captivated the world’s attention this weekend. Some are comparing the potential chill on business to the sudden drop of business after September 11, 2001.

What we owe Agnes Macphail

2012-01-15T10:35:00.085-05:00

Agnes Macphail was a committed public servant who was most notable for being the first woman Member of Parliament. She was elected under various progressive banners and served in the Commons from 1921 to 1940. For a time she lived at 2 Dongeall Dr. This is a duplex which is also known as 720 Millwood. In 1943 Ms Macphail was elected to the Ontario Legislature for the riding of York East. Thus she has more than a passing connection with the Leaside neighborhood, which was part of York East. The movement to give heritage status to the home at 2 Donegall has been widely supported by many local people. It is a well-intentioned effort to remember this feisty politician. A different view, however, would be that Agnes Macphail would be remembered more appropriately by the naming of a park or street in her honour. The designation of heritage status to a residence is carefully considered by City Council and correctly so. Leaside is an established neighborhood but the designation of heritage status to a residence introduces a static condition to a property. We think it would be better to honour Macphail in a way that is easier and more public.

The glorious triumph of managing our money

2012-01-14T21:08:00.001-05:00

You don't have to like Rob Ford to get it. Now writer Michael Gee is making the same point in the Globe and Mail. Gee concludes that Mayor Ford is correct to resist using the $154 million budget surplus to feed Toronto's insatiable appetite for cash. And he has suggested what so many citizens know in their hearts to be true. The City of Toronto has been mismanaged for decades. There may be plenty wrong with Rob Ford. But in the end, he is the first Mayor of Toronto in a long time who knows how to count.

Canadians safe, captain taken into custody

2012-01-14T20:18:00.003-05:00

There were about a dozen Canadians on the ill-fated Costa Concordia holiday cruiser and it appears they have all escaped today's shipping catastrophe. There were 3,200 passengers aboard the ship when it sailed smack into a rocky shoal off the coast of Italy, not far from Rome. According to reporters for Channel Four News (UK) the Costa Concordia was four miles off course when it hit the rocks. It was a passage that the ship had taken many times, well travelled by other cruise ships. The ship's position at the time of the sinking speaks of something very wrong in the wheelhouse. A handful of people are reported dead -- perhaps three or four. Many others are still missing but the figure of 70 missing has been lowered to perhaps 40 or 50. The captain of the Costa Concordia has been taken into custody. He is said to have left the ship before the passengers were off. Then there will be the need for some sort of accounting for what happened to put the ship so far off course.

Apple displays, boutiques are new Target plan

2012-01-13T22:09:00.005-05:00

Target in the U.S. has confirmed that it will shortly open a series of made-for-Target shops selling everything from candy to clothing. And another retail flash, the vast discount chain will soon begin selling Apple goods in "expanded displays". (Target hesitates to call them shops just yet). Christmas sales were not great at Target so its announcement that it will test the Apple concept at 25 of its retail locations this year is a strategic move to jump start sales. Apple already has small stores within Best Buy locations, but enlarging its presence at Target would make the computer, phone and music brand more accessible to everyday shoppers who are not necessarily looking for electronics. Target already sells some Apple products, like iPads and iPods, but it does not sell Macintosh computers.

News of Yogurty's and Groms

2012-01-13T21:46:00.001-05:00

Openings and closings in our area. Yogurty's Frozen Yogurt shop is now open in the Sunnybrook Plaza. And Groms on South Bayview is having a whopper of sale, offering two for one on pretty much everything in the store.

15% off signature lines at 371 Eglinton W

2012-01-13T21:38:00.002-05:00

As the Homefront plan for consolidation continues, our shop at 1579 Bayview will be in clearance sale for the next few months. Homefront at 371 Eglinton Avenue West will be offering 15 % off all regular and new in stock merchandise to our customers. You will know that this is a very unusual event for us, as we never markdown Emma Bridgewater, Simon Pearce, Michael Aram, Julia Knight or Sabre. If you are collecting these lines here is a perfect opportunity to fill in your collection. We have a very good selection in these lines and it will be first come first serve and it will end in two weeks. We also have 20% off on glass, table linens, adult blankets and some door mats. We are open every M-F 10 until 6 pm.., Sunday noon to 5 pm. (416) 488-3189 Trish Stuebing, President .

Electoral law grew old with Western maturity

2012-01-13T21:25:00.002-05:00

The federal government will do away the law that prevents TV networks from broadcasting election results from any time zone where the polls are still open. The 1938 law has become less and less enforceable for all the digital reasons we know. Even before the insidious tweet, email had made a joke of this stricture. The intent was to prevent the completed results in the east from influencing western voters. That power, if it ever existed, seems to be long gone. This is especially so following the growth and maturity of the west since the time of Pierre Trudeau. Once one hits the Manitoba border, he's dealing with people who know what they want based largely on their position on the Pacific flank of the nation.

Snapshots from January 13, 2012

2012-01-13T12:23:00.004-05:00

So it's here. Along South Bayview and all through the area, we kept on going. The snapshots above show (left to right) a tiny Fiat Cinquecento which braved the roads and found a parking spot outside Rosie's, a pile of Safe-T-Salt at Tremblett's Valu Mart (sales were brisk) a real hero of the street clearing the sidewalk outside The Elegant Garage Sale and an 11 Bayview bus, running a little late. We're looking okay for tomorrow but it will be cold. The City has issued an alert and will swing into action to prevent street people from losing their lives in the minus 20 temperature which is expected.

St. Anselm scene of Lisa Lebitka service

2012-01-12T20:55:00.002-05:00

Services were held today for Lisa Lebitka at St. Anselm Catholic Church on Millwood Road. Toronto Star

The resilient gentleman from Toronto-Centre

2012-01-12T20:37:00.005-05:00

He's the honourable gentleman from Toronto-Centre (Rosedale and points south). He's led a very eventful life of 69 years (so far) and it's not presumptuous to say he wants to cap his career by becoming prime minister. And while that seems unlikely to us, it seems equally probable that Robert Keith (Bob) Rae will indeed be the next leader of the Liberal Party. Some might say, who else have they got? More than that, however, the rankest of the Liberal rank and file, have been well punished for their "anybody but Rae" antics at the last two leadership conventions. Even if a fresh face appears before the convention, ordinary Liberals will be wary of falling in love the way they did with Mr. Ignatieff. Of course, if he assumes the leadership it's just possible Mr. Rae will beat Stephen Harper at the next election. But that seems like quite a long shot. The Conservatives will wage a withering campaign against the fomer Premier of Ontario, recalling his profligate spending of the early 90s. In the next federal election, the challenge for the Liberals will be regaining the role of Official Opposition.

About 20 at budget meeting: InsideToronto

2012-01-12T14:52:00.002-05:00

Some 20 people attended Councillor Parker's budget information meeting held Tuesday night at the Ontario Federation of Labour building. Another such meeting is scheduled for tonight at Leaside Gardens. Start time is 7 pm. Here is an account of Tuesday's meeting in InsideToronto.com. A note: the letters VRT in the story stand for Vehicle Registration Tax.

The case for riding bikes on the sidewalk

2012-01-12T11:48:00.000-05:00

A cyclist makes the case for riding on the sidewalk carefully. He says it has doubtlessly saved his life to stay off the roadway of the well known north-south thoroughfares (Don Mills, Bayview). His main point is that responsible cyclists are no threats to pedestrians. But those he calls "scumbags" are. National Post

Complaint about an 11 Bayview driver

2012-01-11T21:13:00.000-05:00

The driver of an 11 Bayview bus apparently took a break for a burger at the McDonald's at Bayview and Eglinton. The stop, which occurred after rush hour at about 7.30 pm., angered one passenger. George Perry complained to the TTC which has promised to investigate. As quoted in the Toronto Sun, TTC spokesman Brad Ross said it was okay for drivers to leave the vehicle from time to time, especially for a bathroom break. He said it depended on the time of the day and the number of people on the bus. Mr. Perry said the driver just abandoned the bus. But there is no indication of just how long the bus was stopped at the intersection.

Israel ‘not shedding a tear’ over nuke scientist

2012-01-11T12:58:00.005-05:00

An Iranian scientist involved in purchasing equipment for the Islamic Republic’s main uranium-enrichment facility was assassinated Wednesday when a magnetic bomb attached to his car exploded in morning rush-hour traffic, Iranian media reported. Iranian officials accused the United States and Israel of orchestrating the attack, which also killed the scientist’s driver. National Post

Paul Hindle's son speaks out about his dad

2012-01-11T10:48:00.007-05:00

The Toronto Sun reports that the oldest teenage son of Paul Hindle, the man accused of killing his girlfriend Lisa Lebitka, says he and his father always had a close relationship. But that all changed when Evan Hindle-Tennant, 18, found out through news stories online that his dad's girlfriend was found dead in their Airdrie Road home and his father was in custody. The death has shocked residents of the quiet community.

Starbucks preparing to open on Mt. Pleasant

2012-01-11T10:13:00.004-05:00

The Green Mermaid (Starbucks to you) is busy in our neighborhood. As we reported recently a new outlet will open at the corner of Eglinton Ave. E. at Laird in the former TD Bank building on the northwest corner. Work has also now begun on a Starbucks at the southwest corner of Mt. Pleasant Rd and Soudan Ave. It's a former pastry shop which apparently got aced out (rent-wise) by the Mermaid when the lease expired. Across the street in the Briton House retirement home there is a Timothy's Coffees of the World. It's trying to figure how to cope with the arrival of the Mermaid. They both make good coffee.

Changing view from Rykert and Thursfield

2012-01-10T21:06:00.001-05:00

Residents of Thursfield and Rykert Crescents in the quiet northeast corner of Leaside are waking up to a new view to the south.. The three towers of the Sceenic on Eglinton condominiums are rising on the other side of Eglinton Ave. E. It is the price of development in the open lands to the south.

Funds raised for Sydney's playground

2012-01-10T20:33:00.004-05:00

We have a hand-written note from Maurice Cody School mom Anne Churchill-Smith about the Sydney Sharma Playground project to be undertaken at the school. The Bayview community has come through with many thousands of dollars to make it possible. The playground will honour the memory of Sydney (inset). The 5-year-old was killed in a traffic accident last year. The small area to be designated as the playground is in the Maurice Cody PS schoolyard. Congratulations to all the Cody moms and dads who have worked so hard to achieve this community accomplishment.

Committee approves arena loan of $7.5 million

2012-01-10T09:05:00.003-05:00

Natalie Alcoba writing in the National Post this morning has the news that City budget committee has agreed to loan the Leaside Memorial Gardens Arena expansion committee the money to finish the job. The second ice pad at the Millwood Road arena complex has been a cherished and long-sought goal. Sadly, costs jumped and the management board had to seek City assistance. The Post story says: The expansion is expected to cost about $12.5-million and make up for some of the dearth of ice time in Toronto. The arrangement sees the city loan the arena board of management $7.5-million, and contribute $1-million to the project. Another $1.5-million will come from a provincial loan, while the community is raising the remaining $2.5-million. National Post

City to impose 10 per cent cut on libraries

2012-01-09T17:35:00.008-05:00

Toronto's seven member budget committee will impose a 10 per cent cut on Toronto's libraries despite protests that it can’t be done without slashing hours. The Globe and Mail reports on a rancorous budget committee meeting during which Councillor Chin Lee was the only one to vote against the motion, Budget Chief Mike Del Grande insisted that the library board’s proposed cut of 5.9 per cent was not nearly enough and passed a motion to carve an extra $7-million from the Toronto Public Library budget. Members of the committee are Michelle Berardinetti, Mike Del Grande (Chair), Frank Di Giorgio, Doug Ford Chin Lee Peter Milczyn and John Parker of Ward 26. Here is a previous story in the Globe and Mail from last July which intimated that Leaside's Public Library (inset) on McRae Dr. will not be threatened by cuts because of its high use. But it isn't known if this assessment will apply.

"Love them and leave them" accused

2012-01-09T15:20:00.005-05:00

Toronto police have charged a man named by the media as a cyber Romeo. They say the accused, Jason Porter, 37, struck up relationships with many women through a popular online mating service. The case came to light in October when women began to complain that they had lost tens of thousands of dollars in a so-called love-them-and-leave-them scheme. Two women have lost more than $40,000 dollars in this way. According to police, the man started a friendly conversation with the victims on the website and progressed to a romantic relationship. Then one day the unsuspecting women found the man had disappeared with their money. Preston faces 13 charges including property obtained by crime, using a credit card obtained by crime, five counts of simple fraud and laundering the proceeds of crime. He is scheduled to appear in court at Old City Hall on Friday, January 13, 2012.

Glendon Students Visual Arts Competition

2012-01-09T09:19:00.003-05:00

Many students will compete in the Glendon Students Visual Arts Competition Exhibit being held from January 17 to 27, 2012. The purpose of the competition is to show the quality of work done by the students in acrylic and oil paint, watercolours, drawings, sketches and other media. There will be a reception January. 17 at Glendon College in the Glendon Gallery at 2275 Bayview Ave. from 5 to 8 pm to commence the exhibit. Gallery hours are noon to 3. Tuesday to Friday and 1 to 4. Saturday. Those exhibiting are: Ayla Altilla, Lise Brisebois, Jill Butler, Rusell Catangul, Melissa Cederqvist, Vanessa De Marco, Emmanuel Elkabas-Besnard, Duncan Field, Olivia Filetti, Sebastien Goulet, Jalal Halabi, Karleigh Hayes, Mohammad Heematally, Nazampal Jaswal, Elodie Li, Kelly Lui, Marika Malagon, Caitlin Moran, Tammy Moreno Garcia, Ursula Nacked Cabral, Grace Nguyen, Kristen Pereira, Olga Polstvin, Heriberto Portillo Lerma, Harold-Alexis Scheffel, Michelle Sciuk, Anastasia Shyla, Nathan Staer Nathan, Nidhi Teli, Meg Tobin-O'Drowsky, Ginette Tremblay-Twinem, Libby Urquhart-Ducharme and Heidi Vandenberg.

Hyundai's Elantra Named Car of the Year

2012-01-09T09:02:00.002-05:00

Hyundai Motor Co.'s Elantra was named North American Car of the Year and Jaguar Range Rover Plc's Evoque won truck of the year, as the largest U.S. auto show began in Detroit. The Elantra beat Ford Motor Co.'s Focus and Volkswagen AG's Passat, the Automotive Press Association announced today at the North American International Auto Show. The Evoque won out over Bayerische Motoren Werke AG's X3 and Honda Motor Co.'s CR-V. Jaguar Land Rover is part of Tata Motors Ltd. Bloomberg

Sunday night at Loblaws

2012-01-08T20:42:00.005-05:00

Many hundreds of thousands must have already visited the new Loblaws in Maple Leaf Gardens. It is, as Loblaws says, Food's Greatest Stage. And many millions more will soon attend this imaginative and storied place of business. You can be thrilled by the sheer volume of sports sagas that unfolded here over six decades. And then bask in the way it has been redefined with great love. It is a supermarket of course but it is also a food court. You can have a choice of cuisines (Japanese at the lower left). Some wish their local Loblaws were as well stocked with spiced sausages and such rare produce as Savoy cabbages and Pecans in the shell. The underground parking is connected to the store by an escalator. Actually there are two escalators -- one for you and one for your shopping cart. Technologically speaking, it's more fun than an iPhone. Near the main door, all the musty glory of the Gardens comes crashing back under a maple leaf constructed of chairs salvaged from the blue seating section (lower right). On the wall beside it are the original remaining marks of those brutal stairs that generations of hockey fans happily climbed.

Cadillac introduces compact sports sedan

2012-01-08T15:54:00.002-05:00

Cadillac today introduced its 2013 compact sports/luxury sedan, the ATS, prior to its unveiling at the Detroit Auto Show this week, revealing the all-new car designed to compete with such premium compacts as the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class that dominate the segment. With the styling of Cadillac’s new Art and Science credo, the rear-drive sedan boasts the lowest curb weight – 3,400 pounds – of its class along with the choice of three engines, two four-cylinders and a V6. Cadillac says the ATS emphasizes handling finesse for enthusiast drivers, with near 50/50 weight balance and a suspension that includes a five-link independent rear suspension, multi-link double-pivot MacPherson-strut front suspension with direct-acting stabilizer bar, and driver-adjustable FE3 sport suspension with Magnetic Ride Control real-time damping. Fox Sports

Nortel conspiracy trial finally ready for court

2012-01-07T21:05:00.001-05:00

Canadians lost billions when Nortel Industries suddenly collapsed in 2000, a victim of the technology bubble. The galling part was that no one saw it coming. The RCMP claim that's because three men at the top of Nortel conspired to keep the true picture from becoming public.This decade-long drama reaches a pinnacle of sorts this coming week when Nortel chief Frank Dunn (left) CFO Douglas Beatty (centre) and controller Michael Gollogly (right) go on trial for criminal conspiracy to hide the truth. The charges could bring sentences of as much as 14 years for falsification of documents and public statements. The trial is scheduled to begin January 16, 2012 after opening processes this week.

On the sunny side of the street

2012-01-07T16:01:00.002-05:00

Life can be sweet, as shoppers and walkers and dogs once again experienced on South Bayview in the balmy Saturday weather. It got up to 8 degrees Celsius (46 Fahrenheit).

Land transfer tax harvests huge crop of money

2012-01-07T09:37:00.000-05:00

The Star reports that the City of Toronto’s 2011 surplus has surged to $154 million, according to new figures certain to put pressure on councillors to spare threatened services. Numbers released ahead of Monday’s committee vote on the proposed 2012 budget, predict the city will actually underspend its 2011 budget by $174 million, but $20 million is being used to fund staff buyouts. A big factor in the rosier picture is the land transfer tax that Ford calls unfair and has vowed to eliminate. The tax raked in $96.5 million more than the expected $220.5 million. Rosdale Councillor Wong-Tam has her own idea: start a city-owned bank!

Kate turns 30, marking an eventful year

2012-01-06T21:07:00.003-05:00

The Stars may lie, but the numbers never do. Kate Middleton is the person of greatest interest to everyone. Mark Morris of ITN reports.

Coca Cola to leave Thorncliffe Park

2012-01-06T13:40:00.005-05:00

Coca Cola is slated to depart its long-time premises at 42 Overlea Blvd later this year or early next. A decision has been taken to house the company in a three-storey addition to the Toronto Sun building on King Street East. The Thorncliffe neighbourhood will no doubt be sorry to see Coke leave. The future of its present home, built by the company is 1965, is unknown. The operation there consists of sales and administration only, as the bottling side of the operation migrated to Brampton a decade ago. Coke is calling this change a “Live Positively” move. It apparently thinks life will be more vibrant downtown. It will, says Coke, permit employees to walk, bicycle or take public transportation to work.

Hindle left a "trail of disaster": Star story

2012-01-06T09:27:00.002-05:00

The Toronto Star today carries a story further exploring the background of Paul Hindle, the man accused in the death of Leaside home decorator Lisa Lebitka. He was seen by many as fun-loving and energetic but, according to Amy Dempsey of the Star, those who knew Hindle, like his eldest son, mother and former business associates, say he left a "trail of disaster." This is a family photo of L:isa Lebitka with Hindle's 18-year-old son Evan.

Empty cooler, GPS save four at sea

2012-01-05T23:03:00.000-05:00

Two Australian men and their 11-year-old sons escape death by using their empty cooler as a flotation device. But equally crucial was their GPS which permitted a rescue chopper to fly directly to them. Video.

Target will convert local Zellers this year

2012-01-05T22:11:00.004-05:00

Target Corporation has announced the first 24 Zellers locations to be converted into Target stores. As previously revealed, one of them is the Zellers in the East York Town Centre on Thorncliffe Park Drive. The new stores are slated to be ready by March or early April 2013. That would seem to mean that the stores will be closed with renovations underway during the 2012 Christmas season. Target says it will spend approximately $10 million to $11 million to remodel each store "in order to bring the full Target brand experience to Canadian communities." Target says it will employ 150 to 200 associates in each store. "Store team hiring will begin in 2012 and Target will engage with Zellers associates to make it easy for them to apply for jobs." Others can apply to Target by visiting www.Target.ca/careers.

Fine weather driving construction, renovations

2012-01-05T21:44:00.003-05:00

This winter's extraordinarily fine weather has got the hammers ringing at dozens of sites across Leaside. The lack of snow is driving home improvement of all kinds. From total knock downs through bump ups to interior renovations, the push is on. Neighbors on one dynamic street, Donlea Drive, will be delighted to see the furious work going on at No. 48 (inset). This property has been a hole in the ground for more than a year, but today carpenters were all over the structure in cold but clear weather. The same type of activity can be seen on almost any street.

Who to believe about a power crisis in Toronto?

2012-01-05T20:34:00.000-05:00

Energy Board turns down Toronto Hydro application to increase rates. The issue is whether, as the Energy Board apparently believes, Toronto Hydro has enough money right now to fix the City's 1950s infrastructure without a rate increase.

$25 million coin auction ends at 3.30 am

2012-01-05T16:56:00.007-05:00

From Auction Central News: The eight-hour auction of the renowned Prospero coin collection concluded at 3:30 this morning, and when all was said and done, the team at Baldwin’s auction house had a lot to smile about. Although results are still in the process of being confirmed, initial figures released by the company state that the sale total for all 642 lots is approximately $25,000,000 (inclusive of 17% buyer’s premium at 17%). The gross more than doubled the total presale estimate. Lot 213, the catalog cover coin set a new world auction record for an ancient Greek coin, when it sold for a phenomenal $3.25 million on the hammer. This beautiful example of a gold stater from Pantikapaion depicts the head of a satyr, a character from Greek mythology. The coin is one of the most important numismatic objects to have survived from the classical world and is one of the most admired of all Greek coins. Around 200 bidders were in attendance at the auction venue, the Vanderbilt Suite of the Waldorf Astoria hotel. Anticipation was high prior to the sale, and bidders appeared unrestrained as they offered three, four and five times the presale estimates on various coins in the sale. There was a noticeable presence of bidders from Europe and the United States.

Former TD bank will be a Starbucks

2012-01-05T12:21:00.003-05:00

A Starbucks shop will open shortly in the former TD Bank building at the corner of Eglinton Ave. E and Laird Dr. Only recently, we were pondering the lack of a tenant here. It's been a while. The bank has been gone for nearly a year. This fine example of 1940s bank architecture will make a good home for Starbucks. A Green Bank store for the Green Mermaid, so to speak. It's thought among Starbucks staff that the management is looking ahead to the day when the Crosstown LRT opens with a station at this intersection. It is a boost for the whole Eglinton strip on the north side which has languished for years. May it have a re-birth.

Profile of sportswoman Ayanna Badali

2012-01-05T09:01:00.000-05:00

Here is a profile of Leaside sportswoman Ayanna Badali written by Brian Baker in the Town Crier, published online on January 3, 2012.

Greek coins may fetch $8 million

2012-01-04T22:51:00.002-05:00

Police call "made under false pretenses"

2012-01-04T21:32:00.010-05:00

Paul Hindle

Comprehensive story in the Globe and Mail, Thurs, January 5, 2012.

This National Post story advances the Airdrie Road murder story considerably. It says that police have refused to specify how Lisa Lebitka died. But it says this may be because of the body's state of decomposition. The story also says the call to the police regarding a missing person was "allegedly made... under false pretenses." In addition, this Sun story says the accused man, Paul William Hindle,is facing a series of outstanding minor fraud-charges. Court documents show a Scarborough woman brought 11 charges against Hindle in 2009, claiming he gave her bad cheques totalling $6,200, plus an altered bank account statement. There is also a four-year-old fraud charge in Brockville, where he lived and where his ex-wife lives. Further, Toronto police say, Hindle was accused in Christmas 2007 of defrauding a Eastern Ontario travel firm of just over $5,000 after acquiring a travel-related service.

Rod Robbie was chief designer of the SkyDome

2012-01-04T20:44:00.000-05:00

Rod Robbie, the man who spearheaded the design of SkyDome (now the Rogers Centre) has died at the age of 83 in Toronto. The building has been a hugely popular success and an international landmark. But the Globe and Mail obit contains revealing information from his daughter Caroline about how the building became a source of grief for Mr. Robbie because of galloping cost.

Court appearance of Paul Hindle today

2012-01-04T12:41:00.003-05:00

As reported in The Toronto Post regarding the court appearance of Paul Hindle:

Theirs was a high school romance rekindled after decades apart, a handful of failed marriages and five children between them. A mother of three was found dead in her Leaside home Sunday afternoon when police arrived to investigate a missing-person report. Her boyfriend is charged with second-degree murder. Investigators have not confirmed the names of the victim or the man accused, but family members identified the slain woman as 45-year-old Lisa Lebitka, an interior designer. Police are calling her death the third homicide of the year. Paul Hindle, 46, whom family members identified as Lebitka’s boyfriend, appeared briefly in court Tuesday, wearing an orange prisoner’s jumpsuit. Tall and bald, he stood with his hands clasped for most of the two-minute appearance, which ended with his case being put over until Jan. 17. Reached by phone on Tuesday, one of Hindle’s two teenaged sons told the Star he had been living with his father, Lebitka and her three children from a previous marriage since July. The 18-year-old said he was out of town for the holidays when she was killed. “She was brilliant,” said Evan Hindle of the woman who treated him like a son. “She was extremely creative and loving.

Budget meetings for Ward 26 this month

2012-01-04T12:20:00.002-05:00

There will be two public information meetings this month held by Councillor John Parker. The meetings will deal with the City's 2012 budget. They are scheduled as follows: Tuesday, January. 10 at the Ontario Federation of Labour building, 15 Gervais Dr. and Thursday, January 12 at Leaside Gardens, 1073 Millwood Rd. Both meetings will run from 7 to 9 pm.

Henderson warns of sky high PanAm costs

2012-01-04T10:24:00.004-05:00

Paul Henderson (left) the former Olympic sailor who has managed Toronto's failed Olympic bid and the bid for the PanAms, has warned Premier McGuinty that costs for the games are skyrocketing and need to be reined in. “The magnitude of the total taxpayers’ exposure should wake up those involved to the fact that major TO2015 restructuring must be done,” he wrote to the premier. Henderson says the games are already $1.6-billion over budget. The original cost was pegged at $1.4-billion The letter was made public by Sun columnist Joe Warmington, who says "That’s a lot of cash for a two-week party few care about." Henderson, 77, suggested a number of savings, including running the PanAms concurrently with the PanPara games. The chairman of the PanAm games committee is former Ontario Premier David Peterson (centre).

Scott Thompson to run Yahoo

2012-01-04T09:30:00.003-05:00

Yahoo will hire Web whiz kid Scott Thompson to lead the fight against Google and Facebook. Yahoo has been run by interim CEO and former Chief Financial Officer Tim Morse. Thompson has been running PayPal, the online payments unit of eBay, since early 2008, and was previously its chief technology officer. PayPal processed $29 billion in payments in the third quarter of 2011.

FP hints Stymiest will chair RIM board

2012-01-03T20:12:00.003-05:00

The Financial Post is suggesting that Research in Motion is preparing to shake up management at the company by appointing Barbara Symiest as Chair of the Board-of Directors. She is already an independent director who joined RIM's board in 2007, Stymiest was CEO of the Toronto Stock Exchange before moving on to become chief operating officer at the Royal Bank of Canada. . CBC.ca

Paul Hindle charged with 2nd degree murder

2012-01-03T19:41:00.013-05:00

A Leaaside man, the live-in boyfriend of murder victim Lisa Lebitka, has been charged with second degree murder. He is seen above with Ms. Lebitka. Police say that they were called just after 1 p;m. on New Year's Day regarding a missing person. During the investigation, police located a deceased person inside the home National Post.

Police treating Airdrie death as a homicide

2012-01-03T09:04:00.005-05:00

Police say they're treating the death on Airdrie Rd. on New Year's Day as a homicide. The victim has been identified as 46-year-old Lisa Lebitka who had rented the home for about two years. She is said to have been an interior designer. Ms. Libitka lived at 211 Airdrie with her three children and a boyfriend. A man is in custody but his identity has not been confirmed. This morning media satellite vehicles dotted the street as they prepared to broadcast into the noontime newscasts.

Neighbors deeply shocked by fatal "argument"

2012-01-02T20:18:00.008-05:00

A police car and the police identification unit sat outside the modest semi-detached home which was the focus of investigation. The address is on Airdrie Rd just north of Heath Road. As reported in the post below, a man is in custody following the discovery of a woman's body in the home. Neighbors are deeply shocked. They spoke of a domestic argument. It appears police came to the home Sunday around 4 p.m. It is not clear how or by whom they were called. The Toronto Sun and the Toronto Star have published a photograph of a door and porch of a home which is part of a semi-detached residence at 211 Airdrie Rd.. According to a story in the Star neighbours said Lisa Lebitka, 45, was renting the home, where she lived with her boyfriend, known to them as Paul, her three young children from a previous marriage and their golden retriever, Bella.

Toronto conducts holiday shopping poll

2012-01-02T16:40:00.008-05:00

The City of Toronto has set up an online poll to gauge public feeling about its holiday shopping bylaw. You can vote by clicking the link at the bottom of this post. The bylaw is a long standing concern to small retailers. Over the years it has come under increasing criticism. It prevents small shops from opening at most locations, while permitting a wide range of retail business among grocers, corner stores and others. As well, it permits shopping at the so-called Tourist Districts. This strange patchwork would permit a fine linen shop inside a Tourist District to be open, while a similar shop on the street outside would be required to close. It is startling inequities like this which have led many to believe that the bylaw is unconstitutional under the Charter of Rights. There has been no legal challenge so far, mainly because the City has instructed the police not to lay charges. Council is now scheduled to vote later this year on permitting Sunday openings. It already has a recommendation to take this action from the Executive Committee. That was done two years ago but City Council hasn't had the courage to deal with the subject thus far. It seems clear that if this bylaw is not struck down, and police are therefore required to lay charges again, the matter will end up in front of the Justices of the Supreme Court. Vote here