Nice weather, early lake melt, and a recovering economy are being cited as possible reasons for an upsurge in luxury cottage sales so far this year. Muskoka is seeing a 40% increase in multi-million dollar summer home sales over last year. One seller is offering a 10-way ownership split for those less inclined to splurge solo - an arrangement that for $545,000 would allow each owner to use the space for five weeks each year. Wouldn't it be nice?

Igor Kenk (aka "Notorious Bike Thief") has been out of jail for some time now, but the remaining 2000+ unclaimed bikes and bike parts that were seized in raids related to his countless charges are now being reintroduced to the city and beyond. In an announcement expected today, we'll learn more about a number of bikes that will be donated to at-risk youth in Cabbagetown and many that will also sent to children in remote areas in the province.

The Toronto Compassion Club (TCC), who have been operating without problems the Cannabis As Living Medicine (CALM) medical marijuana facility on Queen East for 14 years, are frustrated and seeking support from the community and its 2000+ members after they were raided by police last week. Video of the raid has been shared via Youtube (see embed below). The group does have a strong argument - the federal government's medical marijuana program is extremely inefficient and has a long way to go before being useful and convenient for patients in need.

With warm weather comes a re-emergence of motorcycle riders and, unfortunately, a dose of overzealous behaviour and the potential for mayhem. I was out driving yesterday and saw a group of eight bikers fly up the Allen, weaving in an out of car traffic and doing at least 120km/h in an 80km/h zone. Out in Mississauga an alleged street race between two riders resulted in a fatal accident and charges. Be careful out there (riders and drivers alike).

Things got heated out at the Toronto Island ferry docks this Easter weekend when a beautiful couple of days brought sun- and fun-seekers out in full force, overwhelming the single 220-person capacity ferry in operation. Two- to three-hour long line ups, shouting matches, and even a fist fight resulted. In the future, it would be wise to have at least one more boat and crew at the ready should it be needed.

And sex crime and multiple murder suspect (and former high-ranking military man) Russell Williams has been placed on suicide watch in jail after he used mustard to scribe a farewell message on the cell wall, jammed the lock on the door with cardboard, and then tried to suffocate himself by shoving a toilet paper roll down his own throat. Here's hoping he makes it through his trial and gets sentenced before he erases himself and any punishment he's deserving of (if he's guilty, of course).

Photo: "Spring at Trinity Bellwoods" by syncros, member of the blogTO Flickr pool.