They say Toronto has four seasons: winter, construction, transit debates, and complaining about liquor licences. At least, I think that’s how it goes. But there’s plenty more to talk about on this doozy of an agenda.
Transit
Cllr Josh Matlow, that shit-disturber, has submitted several administrative inquiries (fancy-pants for “questions for staff”) on the details of the planned Scarborough subway. Any one of these could generate hours of debate.
- How much did it cost the city to cancel the Scarborough LRT in favour of a subway? Per Matt Elliott, Metrolinx informed the City and Council several times, dating back as early as summer 2013, that they had already spent $85 million on the Scarborough LRT and the City would have to pay it back if they cancelled the project. Apparently quite a few members of Council have developed worrying memory problems.
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How much will the Scarborough subway actually cost to run and maintain, and will Metrolinx pay for any of it? And — this is exquisite trolling — what does this equal in property tax increases?
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Doesn’t SmartTrack kind of make the Scarborough subway redundant?
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The City budgeted $125 million for additional subway cars, but that wouldn’t buy enough cars to provide full service. So did they underestimate the cost of the subway, or overestimate how many people will use it?
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Doesn’t this remind anyone of the Sheppard subway, which became a giant money pit because they dramatically overestimated ridership? You know what they say, those who don’t remember history are doomed to build empty subways to nowhere.
That does it for Matlow’s questions. But wait, there’s more:
- In addition, Council needs to give SmartTrack the go-ahead. Before you get too excited, this is merely one of approximately a gazillion hurdles SmartTrack must clear to become reality, and nothing is ever written in stone — just look at Transit City.
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These fucking muppets are pushing for subways on Finch and Sheppa — wait, doesn’t Sheppard already have a subway?
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Platform edge doors could* be coming to the TTC as part of a citywide suicide prevention strategy.
*Probably not, because it costs money, but who knows.
Winter…
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This harsh winter calls for emergency measures to accommodate Toronto’s homeless population.
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The lingering sting of amalgamation: snow removal in North York ain’t what it used to be.
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Cllrs Perruzza and De Baeremaeker have put their heads together and come up with a brilliant plan: Rocket Man, but for snow plows.
…and Construction
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For everyone who bitches about road construction taking forever/starting too early and ending too late: pick one.
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Planned Nathan Phillips Square shit we can’t afford now: PATH improvements, renovating the ramp and elevated walkways, a planned restaurant, and more. (They’ll probably get done eventually, but will each be separate projects put out for tender.)
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Several Pan Am/Parapan Games projects came in under budget, so the money is getting shuffled to other projects. Also, if you thought some Games venues being City facilities meant you wouldn’t get stiffed on bottled water, you were wrong.
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Similarly, leftover money from delayed, finished, or under-spent Toronto Water projects is being reallocated to projects that are moving faster or costing more than originally estimated. If you’re passionate about basement flooding programs, sewage pumping stations, or biosolids treatment, you are probably Janet Davis in which case you’ve probably already read this report so never mind.
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Toronto is woefully behind on preserving its heritage properties from encroaching development. Plan A: Chief Planner Jen Keesmaat adopts a proactive new strategy to identify historically important buildings. Plan B: we handcuff ourselves to heritage buildings in danger of demolishing.
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Why do roads get potholes? Cllr Perruzza just doesn’t know.
Enforcement
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Should the City outsource court security and parking enforcement? How do you think the cops feel about that idea?
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City Council could do more to help Toronto police crack down on illegal parking.
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Illegal signs nerds, this one’s for you.
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Layton, Perks, Nunziata, Karygiannis, and Mammoliti on the same committee? This will be fun.
Let’s Go To the Ex
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The shockingly overpriced pop they sell at the Ex will be Pepsi, not Coke.
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Enercare having bought out Direct Energy, the Direct Energy Centre is getting renamed in 2016.
Miscellaneous
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The public appointment process is getting into gear. Did you apply to be on a City board or committee? Check the agenda; quite a few candidate shortlists are on there. If you didn’t: omg apply, it’s not too late!
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Cafe on the Square is behind on rent, and we better work something out because I need those almond croissants first thing in the morning.
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Can anyone explain to me what the heck is up with the Disability Issues advisory committee?
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In case you want some good news for a change, Public Health is getting some sweet, sweet provincial funding for the Preschool Speech and Language Program; community organizations working to reduce chronic disease; and an online portal for agencies to buy food.
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No more nice Education Minister! After a damning report that revealed the TDSB’s “culture of fear” and “trustee fiefdoms”, Liz Sandals demanded sweeping changes, including closing under-used schools. Everyone’s freaking out. Member motions everywhere!
I left out quite a bit this time! Have I omitted something important? Let me know. And tune in next week for my livetweets.