Streetcar Service Returns west of Humber Loop

On June 24th, 2018 the communities along Lake Ontario is southern Etobicoke finally got their streetcar service back after waiting almost a year and a half.

Starting January 7th, 2017 the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) shutdown streetcar service west of Roncesvalles Ave. in order to perform work on the tracks and wires along the Queensway Right-of-Way (ROW), at Humber and Long Branch Loops, and along Lake Shore Blvd. W.

After a long wait, service finally resumed, and I took a return trip between Long Branch and Humber Loops.  For most of the day, the 501 Queen line is split at Humber Loop with streetcars either operating between Humber Loop and Neville Park, or between Humber Loop and Long Branch.  The latter is effectively a reinstatement of the 507 Long Branch car that operated from 1935 to 1995 in all but name.  Some trips overnight will operate over the entire 501 line, while some streetcars during the rush hour will operate between Long Branch Loop and downtown to provide a one seat ride. Continue reading

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Red Winged Blackbirds

Red winged blackbirds have taken over the Toronto area this year.

Here are some pictures of the birds:

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Only ‘Routine Issues’ may be discussed at Annual General Meetings

Gerry Hyman has another article for the Toronto Star.  I want to discuss three of the questions that were raised:

First, this question: Continue reading

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Sondra Radvanovsky owns Anna Bolena at the COC

Gaetano Donizetti (1797-1848), composer -

Gaetano Donizetti, composer – (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I attended the last performance of Donizetti’s Anna Bolena at the Canadian Opera Company on May 26th, 2018.  The opera stars Sondra Radvanovsky, who owns the title role of Anna Bolena.

The performance stars Ms. Radvanovsky, and also features Christian Van Horn as Enrico (King Henry VIII), Allyson McHardy as Smeton, Keri Alkema as Giovanna Seymour (Jane Seymour), and Bruce Sledge as Richard Percy.  The performance was directed by Stephen Lawless, and was conducted by Corrado Rovaris. Continue reading

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Happy Victoria Day

Queen Victoria (State portrait) by Sir George ...

Queen Victoria (State portrait) by Sir George Hayter (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Today, May 21st 2018, is Victoria Day in Canada.  I want to wish every Canadian a very happy and safe Victoria Day.

Today marks the celebration of the birthday of Canada’s first monarch, Queen Victoria, who reigned from 1837 to 1901 and was Monarch when four British colonies – Canada West (Ontario), Canada East (Quebec), New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia – were combined together to create the Dominion of Canada.

Today, May 21st 2018, is Victoria Day in Canada. I want to wish every Canadian a very happy and safe Victoria Day. Continue reading

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Spring 2018

Spring is now in full bloom.

Here are some pictures I have taken recently:

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Etobicoke Point Damaged by Storm

Etobicoke Point in Humber Bay Park West suffered a fair amount of damage due to bad weather in mid-April of this year.

Here are some pictures of the damage, which shows us all how dangerous Mother Nature can be: Continue reading

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Spring Finally Arrives

Spring has finally started to arrive with the appearance of some crocuses:

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Electric Vehicles Coming to Condominiums

Queen’s Park

The Ontario Government has announced that electric vehicle charging stations are coming to condominiums in the province.

The Condominium Authority of Ontario (CAO) has an article about this which gives you a lot of information about the issue. Continue reading

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Luisa Miller: Live in HD

I attended the April 14 2018 Metropolitan Opera‘s Live in HD Broadcast of Giuseppe Verdi‘s Luisa Miller.  This is the first time since 2006 that the opera has been performed by the Met, but it was worth the wait.

The performance stars Sonya Yoncheva (Luisa Miller), Piotr Beczala (Rodolfo), Plácido Domingo (Miller), Olesya Petrova (Federica), Alexander Vinogradov (Count Walter), and Dmitry Belosselskiy (Wurm.)  The production is conducted by Bertrand de Billy, in a production by Elijah Moshinsky, with sets and costumes by Santo Loquasto, and lighting by Duane Schuler.  The revival director is Gregory Keller. Continue reading

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