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Newsstand: May 30, 2012
Some mornings are Wednesdays, other mornings aren't. Today is. Also, here's some news: the gravy is flowing a little lighter in 2012 as the City is expected to end the year with a budget surplus; the gravy is likely not flowing at all at the Ford family dinner table as the mayor's diet is back on; the TTC raises red flags about Metrolinx's timelines; Caesars eyes Toronto's proposed casino; Markham has joined the big leagues; and the TTC gets serious about finding a criminal.
Rather than finish 2012 with a $774-million deficit, Toronto is expected to finish the year with $90 million to spare, a much different story than Mayor Rob Ford’s administration was telling this time last year. While City Councillor Doug Ford (Ward 2, Etobicoke North) is using this as an opportunity to bring back the gravy talk, Councillor Gord Perks (Ward 14, Parkdale-High Park) says that this large difference shows the Ford administration inflated the budget shortfall in order to justify shrinking the government. Mayor Ford, for his part, simply shouted, “Ford for mayor, 2014!”
In other cutback-related news, Mayor Ford says his diet is back on, and that his on-air “quitting” stemmed from frustrations about his brother’s teasing about the competition, and also because of the “media circus” (his words) that the weigh-ins had become. Yes, the mayor having to speak to the media does seem ludicrous.
The TTC has doubts that the provincial agency in charge of the Eglinton Crosstown light rail line will be able to meet its 2020 goal of completion, and urges Metrolinx to push back its target by a few years. The TTC is also pushing for construction of the Sheppard East LRT to begin immediately, instead of in 2014. Metrolinx responded by saying that the agency has no intention of changing its schedule or its approach, which, incidentally, cuts the TTC out of managing the project. Or, put another way, “Na, na, na, boo, boo, you can’t make me!”
Yet another Las Vegas-based giant can be added to the city’s list of suitors, as Caesars is “most definitely” interested in a Toronto casino. According to the City’s lobbyist registry, Caesars Entertainment Corporation has registered four lobbyists to promote the company’s interest in “economic development” and “waterfront revitalization.” Councillor Ford, so thrilled at the news, clicked his spurs together, shot some pistols, and “yahooed” for all the gold to be struck in the Wild West Toronto.
As of Tuesday night, the Town of Markham was no more. Not because there was a horrible, Jericho-style event or anything, but rather because councillors in Markham voted unanimously in favour of shedding their town status and officially becoming the City of Markham. So what does this mean for little ol’ Markham? Not a whole lot. According to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, it is mostly honorific and brings no added perks or privileges. Oh. Well, congrats anyway, Markham!
No need to fret over your cancelled show, Mr. Dog the Bounty Hunter, your next gig might be just a bit further north. You may be interested to know that the TTC is offering a $25,000 reward for tips that lead to the arrest and conviction of a person who shot a fare collector earlier this year. Happy hunting!