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Newsstand: June 10, 2015
The week is halfway done! Hurrah if it's a bad one, and boo if it's a good one. In the news: CBC's Evan Solomon faces a scandal, Toronto's favourite crane operator resigns, and it's Gardiner decision day.
Another day, another fallen CBC star. This time it’s Power and Politics anchor Evan Solomon, who had been rumoured as a potential replacement for Peter Mansbridge. A Toronto Star report alleges Solomon brokered art deals for subjects he interviewed, and pocketed hundreds of thousands of dollars for his trouble. These figures included former Research in Motion CEO Jim Balsillie and former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney. The CBC announced it has “ended its relationship” with the longtime broadcaster.
Toronto’s most famous crane operator has resigned from his perch. Robert MacFarlane, better known as @skyjacked793, amassed over 10,000 Twitter followers by tweeting pictures of the city’s evolving skyline from the L Tower. But yesterday, he announced on social media that he had “no choice” but to leave his job. MacFarlane declined to comment to Torontoist, but we’ll miss the great pictures.
It’s Gardiner decision day! Maybe. Council will begin its June session this morning, and will likely lead with the contentious debate over what to do with the Gardiner east of Jarvis. Despite the full PR blitz by the mayor’s team, the vote count is too close to call. Not only are the public policy stakes high, but if the mayor happens to lose such a major vote so soon in his mandate, it would be nothing short of extraordinary, and could diminish the sense he can get things done. Torontoist will live-blog the debate with commentary, analysis, fact-checks, and the occasional Periscope if it’s warranted.