Results tagged “cars”

We all know that columns in the National Post will, by virtue of the publication they're in, have a tendency to be contrary for the sake of contrariness. There's nothing wrong with contrariness: playing devil's advocate for an unpopular idea can stimulate public debate and give us real ideas for positive change.

The next time somebody tells us that Toronto is in the midst of a war on cars we are going to buy them a plane ticket to Copenhagen. Or possibly Bogotá. New York if they want something closer to home. We will send them to one of the growing number of cities that are actually demonstrating the nerve to redefine their planning priorities in favour of liveability and environmental sustainability and dare the auto-obsessed malcontents to say that they aren't all the better for it. For all the recent controversies over Toronto's Bike Plan and Walking Strategy, over our notions of just talking about taking down one portion of one disastrous highway, and converting one traffic lane on a road that is not used to capacity [PDF] to allow five times the number of people to use it on their bikes, Toronto's initiatives are piddling, tentative, nibbling-around-the-edges sorts of things when compared with what is happening elsewhere in the world.

City Council is wrapping up its monthly meeting (extended to a third day to accommodate a full agenda and some election-laced rhetoric), one which has been particularly action packed. In addition to banning new bars and restaurants on Ossington for a one year "cooling off" period, and passing a precedent-setting green roof requirement (the first in North America), Council has considered several proposals for addressing the balance—or redressing the imbalance—between the different modes of transit on our city streets. The Jarvis lane reallocation grabbed Monday's headlines, and today Council has voted to install sidewalk, transit, and cycling improvements on Roncesvalles, and also passed a comprehensive Walking Strategy which will (among many other excellent measures that have garnered almost no press) introduce pilot no-right-turn-on-red restrictions on ten especially pedestrian-heavy intersections. Given that the city has approximately 2,100 signalized intersections, this represents the smallest foray, an experiment really, in redistributing roadway space.

Following her usual route home from work, Della Hazelton made her way down Yonge Street in the early evening of October 2, 1907. On the south side of Bloor, the forty-two year-old widow stepped off the curb and was part-way across the street when she was startled by an approaching streetcar. Jumping back, Hazelton was struck by a northbound car, thrown under its wheel, and killed instantly. Constable Hobbs, who'd been directing traffic at the intersection, and other witnesses testified at a subsequent coroner's inquest. They confirmed that the driver, Frank E. Mutton, had slowed his big touring car—and had even sounded his horn—as he approached the busy intersection.

Imagine what the Caddy would think of this month's snowfall. The car wouldn't bother waiting for a driver to take in the greyhounds before the next storm strikes.

Every weekday morning, bright and early, we feature a photo (or two) from a photographer in the Torontoist Flickr Pool. It's our way of giving the many excellent photographers in our pool the attention that they deserve.

As 2006 ends and 2007 begins, the -ists look back not at the past week, but at the past year. So here it is, your Best of 2006 Spectacular. And from all of us at the -ists, happy New Year!

The City of Toronto will be holding a Public Auction sale tomorrow at Queen Elizabeth Exhibit Hall, Exhibition Place, with the preview beginning at 7am. There are 3 auction rings and the auctions begin at 9:30am (“SHARP!!” cries the website), with “Police Cars, Trucks & Trailers, Office Furniture & Bicycles, Lawn, Construction & Garage Equipment and Much More!” on offer, including this handy Zamboni (pictured). With no reserves, we’ve heard this is a likely place to pick up a bargain or two (especially on office furniture) though unfortunately only the vehicles are currently listed on the website; so you’re going to have to get up early to try and see what else is on offer. If you go, let us know if it was worth it!

Well, with the first match of the World Cup watched and a fresh cup of coffee brewed, looks like it’s time for Torontoist to file another one of it’s Film Friday reports. But with the whole world going footy mad (Rightly so – did you see Lahm’s goal at six minutes? What about Frings' finisher? But we digress) what on earth is there to get excited about in the world of film?

Apparently police in Montreal will now be fining pedestrians who jaywalk, we figure this'll be like fining Montrealers for smoking. The anti-jaywalking blitz has raised the hackles of one Torontonian, Joe over at the Biking Toronto blog.

> Parisist does up some English posts on the rioting now plaguing much of France. Cars were burned in the 3rd and 17th arrondissements.

or Lawn Equipment

In what appeared to be a blind stab at modern fashion, some dude came to last night's Arcade Fire show in a full business suit. From the looks of it, this young man had misinterpreted the tie and blazer w/ jeans trend for all out formal attire. After a few head shakes, Torontoist was quick to remember that he once wore his jeans backwards in grade 6, mimicking his favourite popular musicians at the time. Wait a second. Could it be that this well-intentioned 17-year-old had taken the Arcade Fire's on-stage "funeral wear" and converted it into some new fashion trend? Is this band really wielding that kind of influence? If last night's adoring fans are any indication, the answer is 'yes.'

Phoenix will surprise you. This seemingly skipped over Parisian band are known to put on an amazing show and have the music to back it up. Phoenix are a synth-pop rock band that play a fairly eclectic range of music, but holding it all together are truly enjoyable well written songs. They are making their first Toronto appearance tonight at the Opera House and it hasn’t sold out yet. If you are looking for something to do tonight, get a ticket now.

If you are looking for an introduction to the genius of Mr Richman, the Torontoist recommends picking up the Modern Lovers CD, or listening to our favourite Richman songs, “Abdul and Cleopatra”, “I Was Dancing in a Lesbian Bar”, or “Ice Cream Man”. The Torontoist also promises a review for at least one of Richman’s upcoming Toronto shows.