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Week in Review: June 1-5
A lot happens in the course of a workweek. Here’s a look back at the top stories from the past five days that you might have missed, or might care to revisit.
Toronto City Hall. Photo by Ian Muttoo, from the Torontoist Flickr Pool.
More than 30 prominent Torontonians, including two former mayors, met at a City Hall press conference to call for an end to carding. The group, Concerned Citizens to End Carding, addressed John Tory and Police Chief Mark Saunders in a 45 minute speech to the press.
From the article:
“While policing may be easier when you take people’s rights away, making policing easier is not as important as protecting the rights of our citizens,” [councillor Michael Thompson (Ward 37, Scarborough Centre)] said to a gathered audience of media and citizens. “When controlling behaviour is more important than basic rights, a society’s freedom is endangered.”
Photo by Joyita Sengupta
Citizens and community activists gathered at City Hall to discuss Toronto’s Poverty Reduction Strategy, and shared their concerns.
From the article:
“I love Toronto. Toronto is my city. However, there are many people still suffering,” Paul said. “I’m wondering if the next generation, what will the city be like for them, from now on. I think the kids now, they have great opportunities, the school system, we’ve come a long way, but still their parents, like my son, aren’t able to provide as much for their children.”
Photo by Dan…Mr. Dan from the Torontoist Flickr Pool.
A new poll shows a plurality of Torontonians want the Gardiner removed in order to build a boulevard in place of the least used portion of the elevated expressway. Council will debate the subject on June 10.
From the article:
Among the 2,415 respondents in the interactive voice response (IVR) poll, 45 per cent preferred the option to remove the Gardiner east of Jarvis Street, and 33 per cent preferred to keep it mostly as is, an option that would re-build the section of the Gardiner with an additional on-ramp. Another 23 per cent were either unsure or liked neither option.
Photo taken by Jason Cook from the Torontoist Flickr Pool
Hotdogs. Hotdog dogs. What’s not to like? Check out our super amazing video about all things dog.
From the article:
“It was more or less what you would expect from its name: a showcase of all things dog that included an ice-cream eating contest, best costume award, and the crowning of the Slobber King and Queen. You know, standard dog stuff.
We took a look inside.”
Photo by Arrrt Eduard from the Torontoist Flickr Pool.
The Annex might finally be getting bike lanes. Or a pilot project, at least. Maybe cyclists will no longer have to fear for their lives on their way to El Furniture? Who knows.
From the article:
After years of public meetings, council discussions, and community outreach, the Annex might finally be getting bike lanes, if another study and a pilot project goes its way.
Transportation Services Toronto is conducting a preliminary feasibility study this year to determine the best way to implement bike lanes on the busy arterial. If the plans get approved, a portion of Bloor Street West could have a pilot bike-lane project installed in 2016, a prospect that excites both cycling advocates and the local residents’ association.
The cast of Straight White Men, on this week at the Harbourfront Centre. Photo by Brian Medina.
Come watch straight white men perform in Young Jean Lee’s play of the same name.
From the article:
There’s a lot of juvenile roughhousing, teasing, eating, and even some dancing. But mostly there’s talking, venturing into “mansplaining” at points, as the men in this family try to figure out just what is wrong with Matt, why did he just cry, and why is he content with having no ambition. And the answer that Lee hints at implicates a lot more people than the title’s namesake.