Newsstand: January 23, 2012

Here we are again. The start of another week. Or the second day of the week, if you choose to believe your calendar. Today: TTC head honcho Karen Stintz has some thoughts about the Eglinton LRT, transforming Union Station, zip-lining in Toronto, and union talks continue.

By Jess Davidson • Illustration by Brian McLachlan

Placing bets on whether or not the Eglinton LRT will ever see the light of day (or, more accurately, the darkness of underground)? TTC head Karen Stintz is not keen on the idea of a fully underground line and argues instead that only the stretch that runs through the congested midtown section should be buried and the suburban area stretch should be built above-ground. Not surprisingly, the provincial agency (Metrolinx) tasked with building the LRT is weary of any further changes that would require more contract negotiation, redesign, and delays. Given the past issues with this line, Ontario has reason to be skittish about the thought of stopping and starting, digging and filling. So what does this all mean for the future of the LRT? Quick, call your bookie and see what the odds are now!

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the grandest Toronto jewel of them all? Sorry CN Tower, you may soon have competiton for that particular title, at least according to the project manager in charge of making over Union Station. If all goes according to plan, by 2015 a new atrium will be installed at the busy transit hub, which will include 220,000 square feet of glass and a canopy lit by thousands of LED lights. The power used to light the structure will be offset by a green roof and solar panels that will generate electricity. Ah yes, more construction, and more giant glass structures built atop Toronto landmarks. Two of the city’s favourite things.

While a Ferris wheel may not be in our city’s future, zip-lining, canopy tours, and aerial-trekking might be. ArborTrek Canopy Adventures, a US-based company, has approached city councillor James Pasternak (Ward 10, York Centre) about building a tourist attraction with these features in Earl Bales Park. However, some City departments, as well as the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, have concerns about the environmental impact of a development of this kind, so hang tight (pun intended) before rushing out to buy your own harness.

Local union reps have certainly been busy (contrary to some city councillors/mayoral assumptions about union members), as talks continue between Toronto and CUPE 416, and York Region’s ATU Local 1587 and Miller Transit, and ATU Local 113 and Veolia. But talks shmalks. How hard is that to do? What do these guys really do all day? Don’t they just ride around in fancy yachts, paid for by year-end bonuses?

CORRECTION: January 23, 2012, 10:55 a.m. This post originally indicated that the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority is a City department. In fact, the TRCA is a separate organization whose mandate is governed by provincial legislation. We regret the error.