Residents of the Bayview Village and Don Valley Village neighbourhoods who might wish to do a park'n go on the TTC subway from Leslie Station have found that what was once a better way is now a no way.
Last year the TTC decided that it's better and "fairer" to charge for parking. The result was a reduction of 7 AM parking from a full lot to about 2-4 places taken. Now we can see no vehicles. Why?
Apparently the TTC has transferred operations to the Toronto Parking Authority. From Mon to Sun, 5 AM to 2 AM the charge is $2/hour with a $12 limit.
Going downtown with family? Yes, let's drive. It's cheaper. On weekends there's lots of all day parking for $6. Or, if a weekday traveller, and your green consciousness is dominant, after the rush hour you go to the Fairview Mall, Bayview ViIlage Mall or even the CTC lot for no cost parking. If a weekday worker, your direction is away from the empty lot.
So what has the TTC and the city gained at the Leslie Station. Less traffic at the station? Turned off ridership?
A role of the TTC should be to create incentives to increase public transit consumption for a greener city. Someone at the TTC Head Office has not been listening to Mayor Miller and making Toronto a green leader.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Contact Caplan on HST
I hope that everyone has contacted David Caplan dcaplan.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org to protest the introduction of the HST. If we don't prevent it, we will pay forever. The only way to prevent being overtaxed is to stand up and be counted. Contact David caplan today.
Chuck Carr
Chuck Carr
Monday, November 16, 2009
leash free dog park
Hi,
Some of us are trying to get a leash free dog park. There are no leash free parks in Area 33. If you would like to join please send the following to : area33@live.ca.
first and last names, mailing address, dog's name. contact phone number and email address. One your membership has been approved you will get a invitation to our group site. All personal info will be shared only with the City of Toronto and only for the purpose of processing off-leash application.
Some of us are trying to get a leash free dog park. There are no leash free parks in Area 33. If you would like to join please send the following to : area33@live.ca.
first and last names, mailing address, dog's name. contact phone number and email address. One your membership has been approved you will get a invitation to our group site. All personal info will be shared only with the City of Toronto and only for the purpose of processing off-leash application.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Catchbasin By-Law Ignored - May Result in Property Flooding
Hello W33AC,
I am having an ongoing situation (since 2005) regarding the misuse of a neighbourhood catch basin, and my fear is I will experience an extensive flood to my basement in the near future. I am wondering if others in Ward 33 have had a similiar situation?
I am angry and frustrated that the many government offices I have contacted over the years are unwilling to rectify the situation.
In 1968, when the subdivision was first built, the builder and the City of North York came to an agreement, which stated that catch basins shall be installed in specific residential back lots. This agreement was approved by the City of North York planning department. Since that time, various homeowners have altered their backyard elevation/grading by up to 48 inches. Bricks, broken concrete, and rocks have been placed in strategic locations which prevents the flow of storm water from flowing into the designated catch basin. This means the water re-directs to my backyard, causing regular flooding.
The catchbasin and grading by-law states: "Owners are advised for the properly draining the lands, the developers have been required to install a catchbasin and associated leads in the rear yard of the lot that is the responsibility of the lot owners to maintain that said catchbasin and leads in an operational state of repair and free of all abstraction. It is hereby ackowledged that the aforesaid catchbasin is intended to accept drainage from the lot and from adjacent lots and the Owner hereby agrees that the grades on the lot shall not be altered in any manner that will adversely affect the drainage pattern with regards to the lands intended to be served by the said catchbasin".
"The owner will not alter the grading of the Property contrary to the Municipality approved drainage pattern, and provided that the lot grading has been completed in accordance with the municipality approved drainage and/or grading control plan, the owner is estopped both from objecting thereto and from requiring any amendments thereto".
I am interest to know if anyone else has had similiar problems, or if anyone has advice for me.
Yours sincerely,
Joseph
I am having an ongoing situation (since 2005) regarding the misuse of a neighbourhood catch basin, and my fear is I will experience an extensive flood to my basement in the near future. I am wondering if others in Ward 33 have had a similiar situation?
I am angry and frustrated that the many government offices I have contacted over the years are unwilling to rectify the situation.
In 1968, when the subdivision was first built, the builder and the City of North York came to an agreement, which stated that catch basins shall be installed in specific residential back lots. This agreement was approved by the City of North York planning department. Since that time, various homeowners have altered their backyard elevation/grading by up to 48 inches. Bricks, broken concrete, and rocks have been placed in strategic locations which prevents the flow of storm water from flowing into the designated catch basin. This means the water re-directs to my backyard, causing regular flooding.
The catchbasin and grading by-law states: "Owners are advised for the properly draining the lands, the developers have been required to install a catchbasin and associated leads in the rear yard of the lot that is the responsibility of the lot owners to maintain that said catchbasin and leads in an operational state of repair and free of all abstraction. It is hereby ackowledged that the aforesaid catchbasin is intended to accept drainage from the lot and from adjacent lots and the Owner hereby agrees that the grades on the lot shall not be altered in any manner that will adversely affect the drainage pattern with regards to the lands intended to be served by the said catchbasin".
"The owner will not alter the grading of the Property contrary to the Municipality approved drainage pattern, and provided that the lot grading has been completed in accordance with the municipality approved drainage and/or grading control plan, the owner is estopped both from objecting thereto and from requiring any amendments thereto".
I am interest to know if anyone else has had similiar problems, or if anyone has advice for me.
Yours sincerely,
Joseph
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
2010 City Budget Discussion _ Starting
If you have been following the budget process for some time (just going back to the 2009 budget process) you were already aware that to balance the 2010 city operating budget the city would have to round up almost another half a billion (the 2009 budget was approaching $9 billion: 5% is about $450 million)! The 5% increase rate has been about the average annual increase in the city ops budget during the Miller term as mayor. While the city coffers benefit somewhat from the city's new vehicle licensing and land transfer fees these only pay a few percentage points of total operating costs or of the city need for total revenue. By far, the biggest load or revenue comes from property taxes (with more of it shifting to the residential side to keep jobs & businesses in the city).
The Mayor (whose office sets the budget framework or agenda) as the real budget chief has being setting the expected increase in the property tax rate close to a known or acceptable inflation rate (such as the Consumer Price Index or city rate of wage increases). That is, while the city operating costs have been advancing at over 5% a year, the city mill rate change has been less. This required the city finance managers to zero balance most or likely all reserve accounts_ required for a future rainy day, to build up funds to maintain or expand a city service or programme.
Much of the inability of the city to operate with minor or inflation rate tax increases changed with amalgamation and the Harris download of social services costs. While McQuinty has started a city recovery from this provincial burden, Ontario will likely be unable to afford taking it all back soon_ given its record deficits, structural unemployment & declining corporate taxes. Most analysts expect a slow economic recovery to average rates of growth. (While the 2010 HST will somewhat moderate the recession impact and help the recovery Ontario has too many demands on its revenue_ such as McQuinty "early years/full day kindergartens".)
The city Budget Committee and financial management have already sent out a message to city departments for a 5% operating cost reduction for 2010. This level of cutback comes after the city has just negotiated new wage settlements with unionized workers. Effectively when you add back the accumulated sick pay allowance, workers received about a 5% annual increase. Of course, we now find out a double financial whammy: while committing to a liability to workers as they retire the city had not been put money aside for this. And to make it worse, a "programming error" has added about $200 million to this "unfunded" liability. This also is about equal to the size of the budget imbalance at this time. But we have not heard how the city will be handling this in the future.
Will it be a pay-as-you-go? We hope the Budget Committee reveals some integrity and provides a significant statement in the final budget documents. It is hard to comprehend how competent financial management has not already been highlighting or footnoting this significant financial liability.
Given that the city wage contracts are in place for 2010 and that payroll makes up most of the operating budgets how can you attain a five percent reduction. Attrition and non-replacement due to resignations, retirement and other might do half the job. If the city staff is equally spaced (say, age 25-65) then about 2.5% or half the goal should come from retirement. But given the unfunded liability, each department likely will have to budget half a year salary for each retiree to pay off accumulated sick pay!
So to attain the 5% goal, will deeper staff cuts be made? And how will this impact city service levels which have been generally declining during the Miller years?
Some councillors have suggested the 2009 summer strike has provided some evidence on how the city can operate with lower staff levels and reduced times of services, etc.
From the Monday Star, Budget Committee Chair, Shelley Carroll says "It's time for (senior staff) to review everything we're delivering at this point in time, and decide what's working, what's not working, and what can be improved and made more efficient".
After all the cutbacks and efficiency searches from previous years we must be frank and ask the councillor hasn't this all be done before. And what we see now is the best they can do?
(We are still wondering when solid waste management- that is garbage pickup will reveal a financial statement on its operating performance and efficiency improvements. We are still wondering how foregone payroll of at least $120 million only provided about a $35 million carry-forward to 2010.)
And furthermore, is it staff's job to "decide" what services to the public are not working? Maybe, the public should have some input since they are the paying customers!
The bottom line that we all must face is that in many ways the Mayor, the Executive Committee and the Budget Committee have been shortchanging us on the real truth about Toronto's sustainable financial future. Robbing city reserves and seeking Queen's Park handouts to balance the operating budget became a cover-up job. During the Miller term, the rate gap between increasing operating costs and property tax revenues has finally caught them. You were not able to sustain an annual gap of about 2%. While the Mayor did seek additional money from the Feds (gasoline tax sharing), he has never laid out any harsh realities nor fully achieved his 1 Cent GST objective.
However, each of us has noticed a city that looks less clean and neat. We drive on roads needing more and more repair. We have just had a report that our recreational and forestry backlog "deficit" will soon approach $600 million from a current $200 million plus.
Obviously, city life in Toronto across the board is less now that what we used to know.
We doubt that the city has enough "fat on its bones" to deliver a 5% service cut without hurting many. And we don't mean city workers.
We are left with a need to find a financial fix. And the "bottom line" fix is more money from us in property tax to maintain at least what we now have. But with city unemployment at high levels, can many or most of the city property tax payers handle a rate hit that might be double or more than what we've seen for several year? Especially, now when many of us are more aware that the public sector in city service has better wages, benefits and pensions than most of us not holding a government job.
That is, the $64,000 question. And with 2010 an election year in Toronto, we wonder how many councillors will back even a 3-4% hike?
Such is the political conundrum you must answer when you have avoided and delayed facing reality.
More to come ...
The Mayor (whose office sets the budget framework or agenda) as the real budget chief has being setting the expected increase in the property tax rate close to a known or acceptable inflation rate (such as the Consumer Price Index or city rate of wage increases). That is, while the city operating costs have been advancing at over 5% a year, the city mill rate change has been less. This required the city finance managers to zero balance most or likely all reserve accounts_ required for a future rainy day, to build up funds to maintain or expand a city service or programme.
Much of the inability of the city to operate with minor or inflation rate tax increases changed with amalgamation and the Harris download of social services costs. While McQuinty has started a city recovery from this provincial burden, Ontario will likely be unable to afford taking it all back soon_ given its record deficits, structural unemployment & declining corporate taxes. Most analysts expect a slow economic recovery to average rates of growth. (While the 2010 HST will somewhat moderate the recession impact and help the recovery Ontario has too many demands on its revenue_ such as McQuinty "early years/full day kindergartens".)
The city Budget Committee and financial management have already sent out a message to city departments for a 5% operating cost reduction for 2010. This level of cutback comes after the city has just negotiated new wage settlements with unionized workers. Effectively when you add back the accumulated sick pay allowance, workers received about a 5% annual increase. Of course, we now find out a double financial whammy: while committing to a liability to workers as they retire the city had not been put money aside for this. And to make it worse, a "programming error" has added about $200 million to this "unfunded" liability. This also is about equal to the size of the budget imbalance at this time. But we have not heard how the city will be handling this in the future.
Will it be a pay-as-you-go? We hope the Budget Committee reveals some integrity and provides a significant statement in the final budget documents. It is hard to comprehend how competent financial management has not already been highlighting or footnoting this significant financial liability.
Given that the city wage contracts are in place for 2010 and that payroll makes up most of the operating budgets how can you attain a five percent reduction. Attrition and non-replacement due to resignations, retirement and other might do half the job. If the city staff is equally spaced (say, age 25-65) then about 2.5% or half the goal should come from retirement. But given the unfunded liability, each department likely will have to budget half a year salary for each retiree to pay off accumulated sick pay!
So to attain the 5% goal, will deeper staff cuts be made? And how will this impact city service levels which have been generally declining during the Miller years?
Some councillors have suggested the 2009 summer strike has provided some evidence on how the city can operate with lower staff levels and reduced times of services, etc.
From the Monday Star, Budget Committee Chair, Shelley Carroll says "It's time for (senior staff) to review everything we're delivering at this point in time, and decide what's working, what's not working, and what can be improved and made more efficient".
After all the cutbacks and efficiency searches from previous years we must be frank and ask the councillor hasn't this all be done before. And what we see now is the best they can do?
(We are still wondering when solid waste management- that is garbage pickup will reveal a financial statement on its operating performance and efficiency improvements. We are still wondering how foregone payroll of at least $120 million only provided about a $35 million carry-forward to 2010.)
And furthermore, is it staff's job to "decide" what services to the public are not working? Maybe, the public should have some input since they are the paying customers!
The bottom line that we all must face is that in many ways the Mayor, the Executive Committee and the Budget Committee have been shortchanging us on the real truth about Toronto's sustainable financial future. Robbing city reserves and seeking Queen's Park handouts to balance the operating budget became a cover-up job. During the Miller term, the rate gap between increasing operating costs and property tax revenues has finally caught them. You were not able to sustain an annual gap of about 2%. While the Mayor did seek additional money from the Feds (gasoline tax sharing), he has never laid out any harsh realities nor fully achieved his 1 Cent GST objective.
However, each of us has noticed a city that looks less clean and neat. We drive on roads needing more and more repair. We have just had a report that our recreational and forestry backlog "deficit" will soon approach $600 million from a current $200 million plus.
Obviously, city life in Toronto across the board is less now that what we used to know.
We doubt that the city has enough "fat on its bones" to deliver a 5% service cut without hurting many. And we don't mean city workers.
We are left with a need to find a financial fix. And the "bottom line" fix is more money from us in property tax to maintain at least what we now have. But with city unemployment at high levels, can many or most of the city property tax payers handle a rate hit that might be double or more than what we've seen for several year? Especially, now when many of us are more aware that the public sector in city service has better wages, benefits and pensions than most of us not holding a government job.
That is, the $64,000 question. And with 2010 an election year in Toronto, we wonder how many councillors will back even a 3-4% hike?
Such is the political conundrum you must answer when you have avoided and delayed facing reality.
More to come ...
Monday, October 19, 2009
Old Sheppard Ave_ Dangerous Race Track
The stretch of Old Sheppard Avenue between Muirhead Road P. S. and Brian Avenue has become a dangerous race track. Cars really speed along this stretch of the road with impunity. What makes it a matter of particular concern is that there are many young people crossing the street on their way to or from school, leaving the town houses or making their way to Old Sheppard Park. This stretch is also used as a through way for cars wishing to avoid the traffic on Sheppard Avenue, so it carries heavy traffic. There are no stop streets for a considerable distance (from Brian to the corner of Muirhead Park) so cars can really build up a lot of speed. The speeding has really become a concern for the residents along that route.
What is really required are either traffic bumps or an increased presence of the police handing out speeding tickets. Whatever the case, we really need some action on the part of the authorities.
Sheryl Danilowitz
What is really required are either traffic bumps or an increased presence of the police handing out speeding tickets. Whatever the case, we really need some action on the part of the authorities.
Sheryl Danilowitz
Sunday, October 18, 2009
INTRODUCING FORUM AUTHORS
Hello Fellow Ward 33 Residents,
BECOME A WARD 33 FORUM AUTHOR
This message (re) introduces a democratic internet way for you to participate and speak out in a blog on matters of concern to you and others_ whether about your neighbourhood, Ward 33, North York District or the full city.
Your concern or problem or shareable experience topic might be about street parking, rooming /rental houses, basement flooding, road conditions, neighbourhood appearance, illegal signs, development projects, garbage strike/ waste costs, mayor's resignation/ mayoral candidates, LRT, greening or the lack of, unfunded liabilities and budget omissions, and all the rest.
Now you can author your own posts in a blog when you sign up with a message to the Ward 33 Forum email box/address:
ward33forum@gmail.com
You can let others know and be aware about what you have to say and get them involved. This is step one in getting a problem recognized/solved or getting action.
Our "forum" blog can handle up to 100 "freelance" authors. You must provide a valid email account, your name and telephone number and home address.You or your post can be removed by the blog administrator (currently, Brian Ralph). Posts must be acceptable civil and legal discourse. That is, if there is a reasonable complaint about the nature of a post, the administrator will remove it. Once you are "registered" you will get a reply email.
In addition, you (you don't need to be an author) might suggest poll questions. With the Google blog there is a simple way of inserting poll questions. When the poll is over, the results will be kept accessible on line.
The Ward 33 Forum started off as a way for members of the Ward 33 Advisory Committee (W33AC) to have a forum and was linked to the W33AC. The Ward 33 Forum no longer has this W33AC relationship or association. It is independent of it and the ward councillor.
As a "forum" author you set the topic. You lead the discussion. Let your neighbours know about the forum and what you have to say.
Forum - a public place or assembly for discussing questions of public interest / a market place of ideas, opinion and commentary giving opportunity for debate / a source of news and information affecting our city life.
Ward 33 Forum - an internet speaker's soapbox
As an author, you can post at will whatever you need to say. You can always go in and edit or view what you have written. You can also view but not edit what others have done while in posting mode. Editting posts by others requires special permissions (available to the blog administrator).
BECOME A WARD 33 FORUM AUTHOR
This message (re) introduces a democratic internet way for you to participate and speak out in a blog on matters of concern to you and others_ whether about your neighbourhood, Ward 33, North York District or the full city.
Your concern or problem or shareable experience topic might be about street parking, rooming /rental houses, basement flooding, road conditions, neighbourhood appearance, illegal signs, development projects, garbage strike/ waste costs, mayor's resignation/ mayoral candidates, LRT, greening or the lack of, unfunded liabilities and budget omissions, and all the rest.
Now you can author your own posts in a blog when you sign up with a message to the Ward 33 Forum email box/address:
ward33forum@gmail.com
You can let others know and be aware about what you have to say and get them involved. This is step one in getting a problem recognized/solved or getting action.
Our "forum" blog can handle up to 100 "freelance" authors. You must provide a valid email account, your name and telephone number and home address.You or your post can be removed by the blog administrator (currently, Brian Ralph). Posts must be acceptable civil and legal discourse. That is, if there is a reasonable complaint about the nature of a post, the administrator will remove it. Once you are "registered" you will get a reply email.
In addition, you (you don't need to be an author) might suggest poll questions. With the Google blog there is a simple way of inserting poll questions. When the poll is over, the results will be kept accessible on line.
The Ward 33 Forum started off as a way for members of the Ward 33 Advisory Committee (W33AC) to have a forum and was linked to the W33AC. The Ward 33 Forum no longer has this W33AC relationship or association. It is independent of it and the ward councillor.
As a "forum" author you set the topic. You lead the discussion. Let your neighbours know about the forum and what you have to say.
Forum - a public place or assembly for discussing questions of public interest / a market place of ideas, opinion and commentary giving opportunity for debate / a source of news and information affecting our city life.
Ward 33 Forum - an internet speaker's soapbox
Tech Stuff
When you receive the author invitation, it provides a special sign-in link that takes you to the blog and starts a registration procedure. This procedure sets up for you a Google Account (if you don't already have one). To make a Google account, you must already have a Google email address. That is, you must have previously created an email address at www.gmail.com . So step 1 before clicking on the author invitation link is to go to this Gmail site and setup an new email address for yourself if you are not currently on Gmail. If you have both an email address and Google account, you can just go directly from your "author" invitation.As an author, you can post at will whatever you need to say. You can always go in and edit or view what you have written. You can also view but not edit what others have done while in posting mode. Editting posts by others requires special permissions (available to the blog administrator).
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Changes Happening
In August, the W33AC chair and vice-chair resigned. On Monday, Oct. 5 a "roundtable" meeting with Councillor Carroll at FPL chaired by Past Chair, Mike Ihnat discussed the future of the W33AC. There was agreement that the W33AC should continue although there were unresolved questions about terms of reference, who does what, etc.
The next two meetings will allow for candidates to come forth for elected positions and to hold an election.
The next two meetings will allow for candidates to come forth for elected positions and to hold an election.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Taxpayer Money for Alleged Councillor Defamation and Election Contributions
The actions of those holding elected office_ public and otherwise can be important to taxpayers. Opinions by citizens expressed in public about such actions can range from totally supportive to the extremely negative or contrary with interpretations on motive and cause. City council has been showing two faces when a public expression could be considered "legally" defamatory. (See the city clerk blog - go to sidebar) The current case of Councillor Sandra Bussin (East York-Toronto) against opinions expressed and accessible on the "Ward 32 News" blog has the face of councillor's supporting a member with a potential cost of the city coffers of more than $30,000 (outside legal fees_ one to give council an opinion; one to support Bussin's legal team). Newspapers such as The Star (see Aug 8 editorial) contrarily suggest councillors thicken their skin and dig into their own pockets and their office allowance.
Although the lawyer submitting a report to council refrained from providing a reference to the material you can view on line the alleged "defamatory" position: http://ward32news.wordpress.com/
You will see some strong language and some poor English. You need to dig backwards in the blog to understand the context. The words "bribe" and "developers" appear.
But the most interesting aspect is probably the reported timing and method of some contributions to election campaigns to exceed the $750 contribution limit from any individual. Apparently Bossin has been supportive in council of motions to the benefit related to property re-development and public contracts for a constituent who has made significant campaign contributions. Allegedly, there was a contribution "conspiracy"_ many with close relationships to the constituent made the max. contribution. For the last election, the amounts totalled over $8,000.
If you peruse the online councillors' election financial documents you find many instances where a "family unit" passes the max. by making contributions for each individual (for example, spouses and children, or employer and employees). You might view this allowance as a "loophole".
If Bussin pursuits a defamatory suit she might be opening up a smelly case of squirming worms. City councillors might be protecting turf and their own contributors. The "Ward 32 News" people have not stepped back under threat. A day or so in court opening campaign contributions to scrutiny might not be what those supporting Bussin wanted.
It is illegal to take someone's money to make a contribution for a candidate. It is illegal to make a contribution on your own using another's name.
But how to police this?
And how should a councillor be expected to behave when motions relevant to the benefit of an election contributor are before council?
We saw examples of good ethics when NY Councillors Moscoe and Shiner abstained from participation in the council vote on the city workers' labour agreements. How far should the "conflict of interest" extend?
What do you think?
Although the lawyer submitting a report to council refrained from providing a reference to the material you can view on line the alleged "defamatory" position: http://ward32news.wordpress.com/
You will see some strong language and some poor English. You need to dig backwards in the blog to understand the context. The words "bribe" and "developers" appear.
But the most interesting aspect is probably the reported timing and method of some contributions to election campaigns to exceed the $750 contribution limit from any individual. Apparently Bossin has been supportive in council of motions to the benefit related to property re-development and public contracts for a constituent who has made significant campaign contributions. Allegedly, there was a contribution "conspiracy"_ many with close relationships to the constituent made the max. contribution. For the last election, the amounts totalled over $8,000.
If you peruse the online councillors' election financial documents you find many instances where a "family unit" passes the max. by making contributions for each individual (for example, spouses and children, or employer and employees). You might view this allowance as a "loophole".
If Bussin pursuits a defamatory suit she might be opening up a smelly case of squirming worms. City councillors might be protecting turf and their own contributors. The "Ward 32 News" people have not stepped back under threat. A day or so in court opening campaign contributions to scrutiny might not be what those supporting Bussin wanted.
It is illegal to take someone's money to make a contribution for a candidate. It is illegal to make a contribution on your own using another's name.
But how to police this?
And how should a councillor be expected to behave when motions relevant to the benefit of an election contributor are before council?
We saw examples of good ethics when NY Councillors Moscoe and Shiner abstained from participation in the council vote on the city workers' labour agreements. How far should the "conflict of interest" extend?
What do you think?
City Councillor Vote on New City Workers Agreement
As you know the city council vote (21-17) to accept the negotiated agreement with Locals 79 & 416 was close. A majority of the North York & Scarborough councillors voted NO as did one member of the Executive Committee (Norm Kelly, Scarborough - See D. Nickle, The NY Mirror, Aug 7).
Councillor Carroll and some members of the W33AC have used email to express differences of opinion. This "forum" allows us to engage in an open and civil dialogue.
Here is an email rebuttal from one W33AC member to Councillor Carroll's email on why she voted YES:
I recognize a blatant attempt to spin and this is an indication of someone who has made a bad decision and now wants to justify the actions.
Councillor Carroll and some members of the W33AC have used email to express differences of opinion. This "forum" allows us to engage in an open and civil dialogue.
Here is an email rebuttal from one W33AC member to Councillor Carroll's email on why she voted YES:
I recognize a blatant attempt to spin and this is an indication of someone who has made a bad decision and now wants to justify the actions.
1) The Strike Would Continue Indefinitely: Tell me how you, the mayor or the city bargaining committee know that? Sure CUPE said that they would walk out of talks. This is a standard bargaining ploy and Miller and the majority of Council caved into this cheap threat! Let them stay out a bit longer. Workers were coming back - not many but an embarrassing number. The public was also coping well and learned how to be very prudent with their garbage! Miller could have sought more injunctions to harass the picket lines. But no, he caved!
2) The Premier would have intervened: There was no indication that Queen's Park was in an hurry to get involved. For one thing the city would have had to ask. Unilateral action would have led to a howl on the city's part. Mr. McGuinty did not intervene in Windsor for three months and all indications were that he was not interested in getting involved in the Toronto strike. Shame on Miller and the Council for using this as a crutch!
3) Economic damage: Toronto has been fading as a tourist draw for the past number of years. The recession, expensive Canadian dollar, tight border restrictions don't help matters either. It's a stretch to blame the strike for "our downturn". Leadership, sadly lacking, could have got many building permits out.
4) Eighteen day accumulated Sick Leave: All indications from our "great leader" was that the eighteen days would be replaced with the new plan. New hires have to take the new plan but those already enrolled keep the old plan. What if they don't opt in great numbers for a buy-out? The City's rosy forecast is predicated on a good to great opting for buy-out of the old plan. Typical spin!
Shelley, I have worked for many years in the Fiscal Planning Department for the Ontario Government. I knew too well what goes on I am quite a aware of all the spins which use even if the Media reports the correct facts.
Therefore, we feel that your yes`` vote was a cave in and not the "responsible action of a city steward"!
Regards Mark and Gisela
Monday, July 6, 2009
New City Furniture
At the June W33AC we reviewed a letter from the June 5 NY Mirror that questioned the efficacy of the new city waste bins that we are starting to see in our ward and around TO. We also questioned the design of bus shelters that provide no shade on a hot summer day. (We wonder what is going to happen to all those old shelters will solid roofs and one solid wall for advertisements.)
Monday, February 23, 2009
To Fluoride or Not To Fluoride_That is today's ?
In recent North York Mirror issues (Feb 11th and the week before) letters to the editor have re-kindled the fluoride debate.
Here's an Against View we received via email that summaries a letter in the Mirror:
Here's an Against View we received via email that summaries a letter in the Mirror:
"Stop Fluoridizing the Drinking Water"
This is seriously affecting children, adults and seniors - contrary to information
from the Aluminum Industry and the medical establishment. See website
Fluoride Action Network www.fluoridealert.org
Otto Knisch, Community Information Fairview
Here's a For View from the NY Mirror letter to the editor:
Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay among children: ODA
We expect Toronto Public Health will need to enter the debate if it has any legs in 2009.
Here's a For View from the NY Mirror letter to the editor:
Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay among children: ODA
We expect Toronto Public Health will need to enter the debate if it has any legs in 2009.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Civitan _ Double Decker Arena Solution?
We support the quest for a better arena facility but not the use of Don East Parklands or any green space as the build site. We constructively point out to our elected decision makers that options better than the current "preferred" site exist. and provide supporting data.
Hello Don Valley Elected Representatives,
Last week we provided input (email) on why placing a new ice arena in the Don East Parklands would be a bad decision. We suggested a better "double decker" configuration/location that would be an instant Don Mills landmark if built at Don Mills and Eglinton on city land.. You might not know that one does in fact exist in the US. And the cost looks reasonable compared to numbers being discussed. When you read the 2004 "press release" below (golfing reference remarks deleted) you will understand that there are options in Don Mills that should fulfill the Civitan vision and need as well as those of other groups in Toronto. If you go to the Sports Center website you can watch a construction video. There is at least one better solution than using Don East Parklands. Let's see Toronto Build in action.
Hello Don Valley Elected Representatives,
Last week we provided input (email) on why placing a new ice arena in the Don East Parklands would be a bad decision. We suggested a better "double decker" configuration/location that would be an instant Don Mills landmark if built at Don Mills and Eglinton on city land.. You might not know that one does in fact exist in the US. And the cost looks reasonable compared to numbers being discussed. When you read the 2004 "press release" below (golfing reference remarks deleted) you will understand that there are options in Don Mills that should fulfill the Civitan vision and need as well as those of other groups in Toronto. If you go to the Sports Center website you can watch a construction video. There is at least one better solution than using Don East Parklands. Let's see Toronto Build in action.
The Rinks at Shelton
"An 89,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art double-decker ice rink and sports complex
...$6 million-plus project "
http://www.allbusiness.com/north-america/united-states-connecticut/1002999-1.html
![[]](http://www.sportscenterct.com/about/images/sc-logo-sm.jpg)
First double-decker ice skating arena opens in Shelton
North America’s first double-decker ice skating arena with two full-size rinks (NHL) stacked one on top of the other officially opens to the public Jan. 31 in Shelton.
The arena is an addition to a 15-acre complex for family fun that has been renamed Sports Center of Connecticut, evolving from Golf Center of Connecticut.
...
Principals behind the center are Howard Saffan of Weston and Alan Phillips of Westport who both grew up as with a passion for sports, ice skating and hockey. “Around the world,” Phillips says, “people are going to copy us.”
As far as is known by the staff at USA Hockey, the U.S. Figure Skating Association and Hockey Canada, the Shelton concept is a prototype, the only one of its kind in North America and probably the world. .
The two rinks200 feet by 85 feet with Crystaplex dasher boards and seamless glass, all conforming to National Hockey League standardsare layered in a 90,000-square-foot arena overlooking the Housatonic River, embellished with a skylit atrium, limestone and maplewood décor and two, three-story elevators. Both rinks are lined by stadium seating, one accommodating 1,000, the other 500.
Even the rubber pucks are an advancement. They carry The Rinks crest and are coated with a composition that won’t leave black marks on the boards or the tempered glass girdling the rinks.
25 miles of tubing carry the refrigerant under the concrete that forms the base for the two ice surfaces, 7 inches thick, with independent computerized temperature controls.
Jay Fruzia, a Maine native, the iceman, is a Certified Ice Technician, an accreditation recognized by the NHL. For architect Joe Mingolello of Shelton, the challenge was to optimize the sight lines for spectators while amalgamating the steel trusses needed to support the upper rink and the four-ton ice-cleaning machines.
In the ice-skating off-season, April to August, the top rink converts to a all-purpose surface for inline skatingwhat used to be known as roller-skatingand can be used for activities like basketball, volleyball, arena football, indoor soccer and box lacrosse. Below it the ice surface remains year-around. .
The arena also incorporates:
• A 10,000-square-foot fitness center that becomes part of the World Gym network of 215 centers across the U.S. and around the world. The center overlooks the lower rink and offers a vista of the Housatonic River.
• A 4,000-square-foot conference center and banquet facility, also overlooking the lower arena. .
• A sports physical therapy facility operated by Rehabilitation Associates already based in Fairfield, Westport, Stratford, Milford and Shelton.
• A full pro shop operated by Sports Plus, one of the largest hockey/in-line pro shops in the Tri-State Area.
• An indoor-outdoor baseball academy with live hitting cages, pitching mounds and video analysis.
• An exhibition hall and a heated food court with Internet connections.
Like the Golf Center, the arena is open year-around. ...figure skating.... An extensive schedule of learn-to-skate instruction, hockey competition and coaching--and public skating is already in place. ...
http://www.sportscenterct.com/press-releases_etc/press_release.htm
"An 89,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art double-decker ice rink and sports complex
...$6 million-plus project "
http://www.allbusiness.com/north-america/united-states-connecticut/1002999-1.html
First double-decker ice skating arena opens in Shelton
North America’s first double-decker ice skating arena with two full-size rinks (NHL) stacked one on top of the other officially opens to the public Jan. 31 in Shelton.
The arena is an addition to a 15-acre complex for family fun that has been renamed Sports Center of Connecticut, evolving from Golf Center of Connecticut.
...
Principals behind the center are Howard Saffan of Weston and Alan Phillips of Westport who both grew up as with a passion for sports, ice skating and hockey. “Around the world,” Phillips says, “people are going to copy us.”
As far as is known by the staff at USA Hockey, the U.S. Figure Skating Association and Hockey Canada, the Shelton concept is a prototype, the only one of its kind in North America and probably the world. .
The two rinks200 feet by 85 feet with Crystaplex dasher boards and seamless glass, all conforming to National Hockey League standardsare layered in a 90,000-square-foot arena overlooking the Housatonic River, embellished with a skylit atrium, limestone and maplewood décor and two, three-story elevators. Both rinks are lined by stadium seating, one accommodating 1,000, the other 500.
Even the rubber pucks are an advancement. They carry The Rinks crest and are coated with a composition that won’t leave black marks on the boards or the tempered glass girdling the rinks.
25 miles of tubing carry the refrigerant under the concrete that forms the base for the two ice surfaces, 7 inches thick, with independent computerized temperature controls.
Jay Fruzia, a Maine native, the iceman, is a Certified Ice Technician, an accreditation recognized by the NHL. For architect Joe Mingolello of Shelton, the challenge was to optimize the sight lines for spectators while amalgamating the steel trusses needed to support the upper rink and the four-ton ice-cleaning machines.
In the ice-skating off-season, April to August, the top rink converts to a all-purpose surface for inline skatingwhat used to be known as roller-skatingand can be used for activities like basketball, volleyball, arena football, indoor soccer and box lacrosse. Below it the ice surface remains year-around. .
The arena also incorporates:
• A 10,000-square-foot fitness center that becomes part of the World Gym network of 215 centers across the U.S. and around the world. The center overlooks the lower rink and offers a vista of the Housatonic River.
• A 4,000-square-foot conference center and banquet facility, also overlooking the lower arena. .
• A sports physical therapy facility operated by Rehabilitation Associates already based in Fairfield, Westport, Stratford, Milford and Shelton.
• A full pro shop operated by Sports Plus, one of the largest hockey/in-line pro shops in the Tri-State Area.
• An indoor-outdoor baseball academy with live hitting cages, pitching mounds and video analysis.
• An exhibition hall and a heated food court with Internet connections.
Like the Golf Center, the arena is open year-around. ...figure skating.... An extensive schedule of learn-to-skate instruction, hockey competition and coaching--and public skating is already in place. ...
http://www.sportscenterct.com/press-releases_etc/press_release.htm
To Ottawa on Salvation Budget Day
In early January, your writer replied to a column in The Star by David Olive. Here is the message and Mr Olive's response. We hope H&F in Ottawa have made decisions appropriately. But we fear not.
Hello Mr Olive,
Your article contains a couple of points that I consider have been
overlooked and I appreciate seeing someone come forth with them.
Real and Financial Economies
Sometimes we might think we live in a set of parallel, detached
worlds. As you point out the real world doesn't look too bad. To me
and I hope more, it's the crisis mostly created by financial
intermediaries (FIs) trying to gain/engineer excess "middle man"
profits that has led to an image of financial detachment from the
real world and we suffer the negative impacts. (We also can't forget
irrational US behaviour of living beyond your means and using paper
real estate gains for consumption needs that contribute to the
current global correction/adjustment exercise)
The role of the FI as bringing Saver and Investor or
Supplier/Processor together in globally optimal/ economically
rational ways has lost its way. Pension funds playing commodities is
an example.
The disruptive and reckless role of the FIs almost broke the growth
potential of the global economy. That is, economic productivity of
the real side and the returns on money investment on the financial
side has been driven off off course but must stay together in a
balanced way like the corporate accounting balance sheet This key
economic principle has been lost by too many seeking to gain wealth
without real toil by using the worst drug of all, OPM (Other Peoples
Money) in very risky ways.
The corrective exercise in play for the developed economies should be
viewed as regressing to long term trends_ which point up but with
less slope than experienced in the Bush years, in terms of financial
performance. The financial economy will meet/interconnect with the
real economy again.
US Competitive Advantage (CA) Increasing
I have expressed this in a couple of article comments. It is
something that not many are discussing.
This CA phrase should be creating shivers in Ottawa. Harper may be
forced to re-invent Dion's "Green Shift" to stay ahead of the
imminent US wave that is building up. America, by placing a targeted
spending impulse (into areas you pointed out) that dwarfs anything
considered by all sides in Ottawa (after consideration of the
population ratio factor), should ramble ahead of the rest of the
world and move forward at a rate increasing our productivity gap.
We should expect to lose our auto production advantage (how can we
build 20% of NA vehicles much longer). Oil profits/dividends return
capital mostly outside Canada. We need to find investment
replacements that will close productivity gaps.
We will need to match the US dollar for dollar in new techs/R&D as
well as infrastructure.. We must realize that governments deficits
that are well conceived investments in people, things and ideas have
productivity payoffs.
If we don't move smartly and dramatically in 2009, we will move
ahead but as symbiotic followers, not evolving leaders.
Let's have hope and a happy new year.
Brian
Here is Mr Olive's response:
Dear Mr. Ralph
COLUMN REF: http://www.thestar.com/comment/columnists/article/561210
Hello Mr Olive,
Your article contains a couple of points that I consider have been
overlooked and I appreciate seeing someone come forth with them.
Real and Financial Economies
Sometimes we might think we live in a set of parallel, detached
worlds. As you point out the real world doesn't look too bad. To me
and I hope more, it's the crisis mostly created by financial
intermediaries (FIs) trying to gain/engineer excess "middle man"
profits that has led to an image of financial detachment from the
real world and we suffer the negative impacts. (We also can't forget
irrational US behaviour of living beyond your means and using paper
real estate gains for consumption needs that contribute to the
current global correction/adjustment exercise)
The role of the FI as bringing Saver and Investor or
Supplier/Processor together in globally optimal/ economically
rational ways has lost its way. Pension funds playing commodities is
an example.
The disruptive and reckless role of the FIs almost broke the growth
potential of the global economy. That is, economic productivity of
the real side and the returns on money investment on the financial
side has been driven off off course but must stay together in a
balanced way like the corporate accounting balance sheet This key
economic principle has been lost by too many seeking to gain wealth
without real toil by using the worst drug of all, OPM (Other Peoples
Money) in very risky ways.
The corrective exercise in play for the developed economies should be
viewed as regressing to long term trends_ which point up but with
less slope than experienced in the Bush years, in terms of financial
performance. The financial economy will meet/interconnect with the
real economy again.
US Competitive Advantage (CA) Increasing
I have expressed this in a couple of article comments. It is
something that not many are discussing.
This CA phrase should be creating shivers in Ottawa. Harper may be
forced to re-invent Dion's "Green Shift" to stay ahead of the
imminent US wave that is building up. America, by placing a targeted
spending impulse (into areas you pointed out) that dwarfs anything
considered by all sides in Ottawa (after consideration of the
population ratio factor), should ramble ahead of the rest of the
world and move forward at a rate increasing our productivity gap.
We should expect to lose our auto production advantage (how can we
build 20% of NA vehicles much longer). Oil profits/dividends return
capital mostly outside Canada. We need to find investment
replacements that will close productivity gaps.
We will need to match the US dollar for dollar in new techs/R&D as
well as infrastructure.. We must realize that governments deficits
that are well conceived investments in people, things and ideas have
productivity payoffs.
If we don't move smartly and dramatically in 2009, we will move
ahead but as symbiotic followers, not evolving leaders.
Let's have hope and a happy new year.
Brian
Here is Mr Olive's response:
Dear Mr. Ralph
Many thanks for this superb essay. I appreciate the eloquence, and especially certain
crucial points you raise that I failed to do in my article. In particular, the disconnect
between the real and financial economies, and the origin of that destructive phenomenon,
I didn't convey with the cogency in your note. All of this makes great sense to me, and
I wish it were widely expressed. My only misgiving is the potential for the stimulus to be
misspent. If it's spent as you counsel, we have great hope of attaining leadership
positions in a wide range of policy areas, from environmental technology to taking better
care of our least-advantaged citizens. I just don't yet have the confidence we will spend
the money wisely. But I can hope for different. And your note helps me think that is
possible, if there are enough folks like you to raise red flags when the stimulus funds
are being mis-directed.
Thanks again so much for this remarkably perceptive view of where we are at this
fascinating moment.
Best regards, David
COLUMN REF: http://www.thestar.com/comment/columnists/article/561210
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
City Budget Priorities (NY Mirror LINK)
City's budget process must set credible priorities
Beyond the Headlines By DAVID SOCKNACKI
January 15, 2009 12:58 PM
http://www.insidetoronto.com/article/62250
Party Politics_ The Time Has Come in Toronto
Councillor Shiner indirectly by his actions on boycotting a committee brings to public attention the need for an urgent and important review of Toronto's governance. Councillors who disagree with his actions to not attend a committee meeting need to see a bigger picture. A picture that must talk about democracy and party politics for Toronto's City Council.
To those who say "in Opposition_ we've got to take what's given to us" that is misguided. It is time to put forth a clear model of who has what power and what responsibilities. It is time that when a candidate runs for municipal office to say whom he or she supports for the mayor's office. The election period is the time to make clear positions on programmes, policies and in what group or party you stand. It is time to have a clear statement of who is in Opposition and who is in Government.
This is not happening in Toronto. We no longer have a clear view of what city council (our city parliament) stands for and what powers it has.
We elect a strong, some say a mighty mayor. That office determines who sits on the elite Executive Committee or EC (that is, the mayor's cabinet) and who gets to control (chair) city committees (such as budget) or participate in the ABC's (agencies, boards, committees such as the TTC or TPS or Toronto Housing).
We also have a community council for each city district. While the mayor does not elect its chair, it is time for the chairs of these councils to sit on the EC. Members of the councils should do this and hopefully on a rotating annual basis. Being on the EC provides good training and awareness of broad city issues. So does being on some large budget ABCs. Maybe, we also need to have District Councillors who sit on the EC.
While council and committee votes are not always unanimously for the mayor's positions on issues and legislation, the mayor's office generally gets its way.
The best model might be for the Opposition to get representation based on a formula of number of councillors elected and let the Opposition work out/select who gets to sit where.
Yes, it's time to grow up, face the mature decisions and get party politics in Toronto.
See North York Mirror,
To those who say "in Opposition_ we've got to take what's given to us" that is misguided. It is time to put forth a clear model of who has what power and what responsibilities. It is time that when a candidate runs for municipal office to say whom he or she supports for the mayor's office. The election period is the time to make clear positions on programmes, policies and in what group or party you stand. It is time to have a clear statement of who is in Opposition and who is in Government.
This is not happening in Toronto. We no longer have a clear view of what city council (our city parliament) stands for and what powers it has.
We elect a strong, some say a mighty mayor. That office determines who sits on the elite Executive Committee or EC (that is, the mayor's cabinet) and who gets to control (chair) city committees (such as budget) or participate in the ABC's (agencies, boards, committees such as the TTC or TPS or Toronto Housing).
We also have a community council for each city district. While the mayor does not elect its chair, it is time for the chairs of these councils to sit on the EC. Members of the councils should do this and hopefully on a rotating annual basis. Being on the EC provides good training and awareness of broad city issues. So does being on some large budget ABCs. Maybe, we also need to have District Councillors who sit on the EC.
While council and committee votes are not always unanimously for the mayor's positions on issues and legislation, the mayor's office generally gets its way.
The best model might be for the Opposition to get representation based on a formula of number of councillors elected and let the Opposition work out/select who gets to sit where.
Yes, it's time to grow up, face the mature decisions and get party politics in Toronto.
See North York Mirror,
Councillor should find better way to criticize city administration
January 14, 2009 12:04 PM
http://www.insidetoronto.com/article/62198
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Inside Dope for City Political Junkies _ Part 2
Meeting Monitor
Monitor the status of agenda items during City Council, Community Council and Standing Committee meetings
Monitor the status of agenda items during City Council, Community Council and Standing Committee meetings
The meeting monitor service lets you monitor the status of agenda items that are being considered during Standing Committee, Community Council and City Council meetings. Near real-time updates are provided on the status of items. This includes: the title and reference number of item that is currently being considered, time-specific information for scheduled items with registered speakers (deputations), and the status of items that have already been dealt with (eg. adopted, amended, deferred, or referred). The meeting monitor also identifies items that have been held by committee members for debate.
The above is the city's description. For those lengthy agendas the items scroll like a stock market readout. A smart junkie would probably have used a different window for this but our blog link doesn't allow us this sophistication. Again, you find a link under our blogs' Access Points.Inside Dope for City Political Junkies _ Part 1
Or, City Council Legislative Documents
Toronto compared to many other cities in North America has a relatively open government. And it is likely a little more open today based on a case reported in the Toronto Star (Jan 14,09 _see below). While most of us don't need to work out how to use "freedom of information" access procedures, some (with a trait of "political junkie") can find out much from tracking agendas, minutes and decisions on line for city council, community councils and committees. There are 12 committees reporting to council plus 10 others.
These official documents are generally PDF files that you can read online or even download. You can find them for the current year or previous years (about 3). The city clerk's office administers them.
Included in them you will often find background material (also PDF's or DOC files) that can be useful to understanding and getting more info on a local or citywide issue.
Files can run to many pages and contain a lot of stuff you likely don't want to know about_ a variance request, a tree cutting decision, a new sign location, ...
However, if you are tracking a development project, new city endeavours, city problems and solutions, citizen requests , for example, you can glean much insight directly online.
Under Access Points on both the Forum and Admin blogs, you will find direct links to the city web pages with these and other legal documents.
The Star recently pursued an access to information suit against the TPS. They initially lost at Divisional Court but won an appeal at the Supreme Court. Here is what the Star editors wrote, http://www.thestar.com/comment/article/571187
Toronto compared to many other cities in North America has a relatively open government. And it is likely a little more open today based on a case reported in the Toronto Star (Jan 14,09 _see below). While most of us don't need to work out how to use "freedom of information" access procedures, some (with a trait of "political junkie") can find out much from tracking agendas, minutes and decisions on line for city council, community councils and committees. There are 12 committees reporting to council plus 10 others.
These official documents are generally PDF files that you can read online or even download. You can find them for the current year or previous years (about 3). The city clerk's office administers them.
Included in them you will often find background material (also PDF's or DOC files) that can be useful to understanding and getting more info on a local or citywide issue.
Files can run to many pages and contain a lot of stuff you likely don't want to know about_ a variance request, a tree cutting decision, a new sign location, ...
However, if you are tracking a development project, new city endeavours, city problems and solutions, citizen requests , for example, you can glean much insight directly online.
Under Access Points on both the Forum and Admin blogs, you will find direct links to the city web pages with these and other legal documents.
The Star recently pursued an access to information suit against the TPS. They initially lost at Divisional Court but won an appeal at the Supreme Court. Here is what the Star editors wrote, http://www.thestar.com/comment/article/571187
City Maps _ More Useful than Google's
Access to digital maps has changed how many of us find locations and directions. If you're planning a road trip, AAA/CAA have excellent online services. Or, while in the car you have a GPS assistant drawing your route map, or calling out turns and lane changes. The City of Toronto website has a Maps service that many city residents will find useful, maybe more so than those online from Google or others.
For example, you have a street address and need to see it on a Toronto map. Just enter the street number and you have it.
Or, you want to see a layout of streets in an area. Just block out the area on the city boundary map and you have them.
And in either case you can see an aerial photo view.
You can try it out under on the Forum or Admin blog under Access Points.
For example, you have a street address and need to see it on a Toronto map. Just enter the street number and you have it.
Or, you want to see a layout of streets in an area. Just block out the area on the city boundary map and you have them.
And in either case you can see an aerial photo view.
You can try it out under on the Forum or Admin blog under Access Points.
Snow Removal Bylaw Enforcement
The Jan 13,2009 InsideToronto website carries a story (see link below) on snow removal bylaw enforcement. It points out that placing snow on a roadway is a Highway Traffic Act offense. As well, Toronto has its own bylaw against placing snow on public property.
Snowfalls (almost record breaking) have accumulated this winter and last without many thaw breaks.
While the police seem to be aware of the law, why are so many private operators doing snow removal by pushing the snow from private property to public property and roadways?
Snowfalls (almost record breaking) have accumulated this winter and last without many thaw breaks.
While the police seem to be aware of the law, why are so many private operators doing snow removal by pushing the snow from private property to public property and roadways?
It is obvious who is doing it. While going up George Henry Blvd towards Don Mills Rd today after the snowfall, you can see how much snow was plowed from the townhouse site onto the public roadway.
There are other instances from private homes throughout our ward on inner streets.
Your writer stopped and informed one operator to stop plowing snow unto the Shaughnessy Garden Island last week and was impolitely told what to do.
There are other instances from private homes throughout our ward on inner streets.
Your writer stopped and informed one operator to stop plowing snow unto the Shaughnessy Garden Island last week and was impolitely told what to do.
When a truck rams its blade into a roadway curb it can damage the curb that becomes a needed repair job for the city.
Shouldn't the city be pursuing such abuse of city law?
Shouldn't the city be pursuing such abuse of city law?
One solution might be to licensing and banning the fixed blade push-plough and only allow snowblowers that can direct the snow so it remains on private property.
Where do you stand on this?
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Smoking Ban in City Playgrounds
Smoking in indoor public spaces has generally been banned. But what about in public outdoor spaces. The city's Parks and Rec committee has received city staff input on the potential health impacts of smoking in playgrounds near children and the city likely will proceed to enact restrictive bylaws.
See this article for more background.
http://www.healthzone.ca/health/article/568608
Coupled with the recent news/discovery of "third hand" smoking/residue impacts, 2009 does not appear a good year for smokers.
Do you support banning smoking near children and other vulnerable people in outdoor places?
See this article for more background.
http://www.healthzone.ca/health/article/568608
Coupled with the recent news/discovery of "third hand" smoking/residue impacts, 2009 does not appear a good year for smokers.
Do you support banning smoking near children and other vulnerable people in outdoor places?
Rooming House Control
The issue of rooming houses in our ward has been discussed at several W33AC meetings. We have heard several attendees present their stories on the impacts of single family residents being used or modified to be a "rooming house". We have also seen front page stories in our local newspapers.
It appears that City Council will soon have to make some long term binding decisions on the control and allowance of rooming houses on a city wide basis.
The Saturday, Jan 10 Star carried this story
http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/568602
What is your opinion? We will return to this ward and citywide issue in future posts.
Update from NY Mirror,
It appears that City Council will soon have to make some long term binding decisions on the control and allowance of rooming houses on a city wide basis.
The Saturday, Jan 10 Star carried this story
http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/568602
What is your opinion? We will return to this ward and citywide issue in future posts.
Update from NY Mirror,
Community council aims to simplify prosecution of illegal rooming house owners
By ERIC HEINO January 20, 2009 4:03 PM
http://www.insidetoronto.com/article/62485
By ERIC HEINO January 20, 2009 4:03 PM
Friday, January 9, 2009
SAY NO to USING GREENBELT IN TORONTO FOR NEW ICE RINKS
In the Dec08 W33AC minutes there is an introduction to an emerging issue on greenbelt / parkland use in Don Valley East. Goto Ward33 Committee blog to see minutes
The Civitan Don Mills Hockey group is proposing a new ice rink facility to replace the existing Civitan ice rink in the Don Mills Centre. The "preferred" location in currently the table land that sits south of the 401 and west of Don Mills Rd.
This Letter to Editor in North York Mirror, Jan 16, 2009 "New arena project would compromise Don River", Lou Wise provides a clear viewpoint from a longtime Don Mills resident
http://www.insidetoronto.com/article/62382
The correct response we believe is,
SAY NO to USING GREENBELT IN TORONTO FOR NEW ICE RINKS
We will have more to say on this soon.
Here are links to NYCC November meeting documents,
Minutes NY20.24 (see pg 24 PDF)
http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2008/ny/minutes/2008-11-18-ny20-mn.pdf
Decision NY20.24 (see pg 21 PDF)
http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2008/ny/decisions/2008-11-18-ny20-dd.pdf
You must read this: preferred site, etc
Toronto Star "Red tape freezing Don Mills scheme for new arena"
http://www.thestar.com/News/GTA/article/558007
The Civitan Don Mills Hockey group is proposing a new ice rink facility to replace the existing Civitan ice rink in the Don Mills Centre. The "preferred" location in currently the table land that sits south of the 401 and west of Don Mills Rd.
This Letter to Editor in North York Mirror, Jan 16, 2009 "New arena project would compromise Don River", Lou Wise provides a clear viewpoint from a longtime Don Mills resident
http://www.insidetoronto.com/article/62382
The correct response we believe is,
SAY NO to USING GREENBELT IN TORONTO FOR NEW ICE RINKS
We will have more to say on this soon.
Here are links to NYCC November meeting documents,
Minutes NY20.24 (see pg 24 PDF)
http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2008/ny/minutes/2008-11-18-ny20-mn.pdf
Decision NY20.24 (see pg 21 PDF)
http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2008/ny/decisions/2008-11-18-ny20-dd.pdf
You must read this: preferred site, etc
Toronto Star "Red tape freezing Don Mills scheme for new arena"
http://www.thestar.com/News/GTA/article/558007
Need to Monitor All Strategic Sewers
Toronto's residents have recently heard about the Coxwell sewer line and the need for a $30 million emergency project.
The good news of this story is that a potential disaster will likely be averted by a bypass line solution. Just like many heart health cases. The bad news is that it took a special study to find that a problem exists. It should be self-evident to city managers and council that all strategic and aging infrastructure needs regular monitoring to avoid catastrophic consequences from component failure. The technology exists to examine and evaluate; city must allocate money to do the needed work as a reflection of good government and best practice city management.The funding for this project will not delay or defer other important 2009 water works projects such as flood control/new sewer work in the Muirhead area of Ward 33. The General Manager has requested additional capital funds from the water/sewer fund that has been building up from the high single digital annual increases in water/sewer rates.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
City Service, TTC Tokens, Seconds Signals, City Recycling
Note - Opinions expressed here only reflect the writer's viewpoint. They do not represent any decision or opinion expressed by others at a W33AC meeting or Councillor or Councillor's staff.
Are you a customer of the city or a user of a city service?
It irks this writer when I telephone the city about a city service matter and the person answering the phone starts with " Customer Service Rep ...". Word use can say a lot about how the person you are dealing with views you and the matters under discussion. In this case, the person who answers looks upon you, the citizen, city taxpayer and resident as a C-U-S-T-O-M-E-R. (In a store running a commerical business, I feel this can be a sign of respect but for a government, that provides services to it citizens, the opposite dwells.)
From almost all dictionaries the gist of a formal definition of a "customer" is "a person, who buys, especially a regular patron of a store" in short a "buyer". (We won't go into the derogatory informal use.)
In most dealing with the city you are not paying a "user" fee or acting as a "buyer". You and I call up and act as a user (potential or otherwise) of a city service. So why can't CSR stand for City Service Representative?
Why does the City use this abused word, customer when it can still refer to its front line telephone and counter staff as CSR's but let's focus why they are in place: CITY SERVICE.
TTC - Tickets, Tokens or Other Ways ?
While I don't need to use the TTC on a regular basis and can't justify using an adult fare pass (weekly or monthly), it confounds me that other cities have been able to find and implement better means to enter and use services offered by the TTC. They don't rely on a relic of the mechanical age, the metal TOKEN. Pieces of metal that are lost in your loose change, get lost in pockets and purses do not look smart in this century.
This summer the family on a road trip used the public transportation of Boston and Montreal as sightseeing visitors. Both of these urban areas have "GTA" wide integrated systems that have entered the DIGITAL age for the paying passenger. While Toronto and the GTA struggle with implementing Metrolinx other cities have got there already.
If your family has a student ticket based member who uses a subway station such as Leslie with 3 entrances, only the middle one provides entry: so much for the better way via the TTC.
Toronto needs to ask why.
Pedestrian Countdown Crossing ,& Left Hand Advanced Turning Signals
These two items impact the driving and walking public. Both have been introduced but we only see partial implementation. The second countdown from Green to Amber is a smart move_ both for those walking and driving.
The use of a standard green arrow signal for an advance left turn also makes good sense and conforms to broader practice.
But when is the city going to finish off the complete conversion. We need to see 100% done, not 45 or 55 or 65% but the total job. By not forcing itself to a definite deadline, the Mayor and City Council are delaying full benefits and increasing the displeasure about city operations performance.
On City Recycling and Provincial Programmes
The province (Ministry of Environment), Oct 16, 2008 announced a consultation on Waste Diversion Act Initiatives http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/envision/land/wda/ along with supporting documentation.
This review will include what is going/should go into the Blue Box/Bin.
Also, there is Waste Electronics and Electrical Programee study under the WDO with a final report due, March 2009.
While Toronto takes in much of your computer electronic stuff, it has a very limited programme for recycling your old TV. There are private facilities for doing this recycling. And the city uses one for its Environmental Day intake. But if you have something to get rid of, outside of your ward's ED programme, the city say but it out with your other garbage!
Surely, a city that is "environmentally"and cost recovery obsessed with definite goals can do better
Private TV recycling costs about $12-15 a set. If they city can administer tags for bags surely, it can do tags for TV's and other stuff under full cost recovery too. Does it have to wait for the province to kickstart a programme?
More Recycling - Plastic Film/Bag Stuff
You hopefully are aware that the city has just announced it is taking in styrofoam and some plastic bags. Make sure you bag your bags and select only those that make the grade for best market criteria for recycled materials. You might want to learn more at http://www.myplasticbags.ca/: look at the stuff under "plastic film" too.
But it has apparently excluded bags that are coded Type 4, LOW-DENSITY POLYETHYLENE and only wants Type 2, HIGH DENSITY . For a complete story on those plastic numbers, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plastic_recycling
You will notice Type 4 on almost all your bread bags (or least, those in our household). While much plastic film is not coded, we would think that if a manufacturer does it is done for a positive purpose_ that is, recycling.
We would think (and hope) that the city staff who have written their website pages and news releases would use the standard industry numbers that we see on packaging. Instead they leave it to the householder standing in front of the big blue bin to almost guess what is good for city and was is not.
Check out what The Star's Royson James has written lately on this,
Testing our Recycling IQ & Patience, http://www.thestar.com/comment/columnists/article/536021
Are you a customer of the city or a user of a city service?
It irks this writer when I telephone the city about a city service matter and the person answering the phone starts with " Customer Service Rep ...". Word use can say a lot about how the person you are dealing with views you and the matters under discussion. In this case, the person who answers looks upon you, the citizen, city taxpayer and resident as a C-U-S-T-O-M-E-R. (In a store running a commerical business, I feel this can be a sign of respect but for a government, that provides services to it citizens, the opposite dwells.)
From almost all dictionaries the gist of a formal definition of a "customer" is "a person, who buys, especially a regular patron of a store" in short a "buyer". (We won't go into the derogatory informal use.)
In most dealing with the city you are not paying a "user" fee or acting as a "buyer". You and I call up and act as a user (potential or otherwise) of a city service. So why can't CSR stand for City Service Representative?
Why does the City use this abused word, customer when it can still refer to its front line telephone and counter staff as CSR's but let's focus why they are in place: CITY SERVICE.
TTC - Tickets, Tokens or Other Ways ?
While I don't need to use the TTC on a regular basis and can't justify using an adult fare pass (weekly or monthly), it confounds me that other cities have been able to find and implement better means to enter and use services offered by the TTC. They don't rely on a relic of the mechanical age, the metal TOKEN. Pieces of metal that are lost in your loose change, get lost in pockets and purses do not look smart in this century.
This summer the family on a road trip used the public transportation of Boston and Montreal as sightseeing visitors. Both of these urban areas have "GTA" wide integrated systems that have entered the DIGITAL age for the paying passenger. While Toronto and the GTA struggle with implementing Metrolinx other cities have got there already.
If your family has a student ticket based member who uses a subway station such as Leslie with 3 entrances, only the middle one provides entry: so much for the better way via the TTC.
Toronto needs to ask why.
Pedestrian Countdown Crossing ,& Left Hand Advanced Turning Signals
These two items impact the driving and walking public. Both have been introduced but we only see partial implementation. The second countdown from Green to Amber is a smart move_ both for those walking and driving.
The use of a standard green arrow signal for an advance left turn also makes good sense and conforms to broader practice.
But when is the city going to finish off the complete conversion. We need to see 100% done, not 45 or 55 or 65% but the total job. By not forcing itself to a definite deadline, the Mayor and City Council are delaying full benefits and increasing the displeasure about city operations performance.
On City Recycling and Provincial Programmes
The province (Ministry of Environment), Oct 16, 2008 announced a consultation on Waste Diversion Act Initiatives http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/envision/land/wda/ along with supporting documentation.
This review will include what is going/should go into the Blue Box/Bin.
Also, there is Waste Electronics and Electrical Programee study under the WDO with a final report due, March 2009.
While Toronto takes in much of your computer electronic stuff, it has a very limited programme for recycling your old TV. There are private facilities for doing this recycling. And the city uses one for its Environmental Day intake. But if you have something to get rid of, outside of your ward's ED programme, the city say but it out with your other garbage!
Surely, a city that is "environmentally"and cost recovery obsessed with definite goals can do better
Private TV recycling costs about $12-15 a set. If they city can administer tags for bags surely, it can do tags for TV's and other stuff under full cost recovery too. Does it have to wait for the province to kickstart a programme?
More Recycling - Plastic Film/Bag Stuff
You hopefully are aware that the city has just announced it is taking in styrofoam and some plastic bags. Make sure you bag your bags and select only those that make the grade for best market criteria for recycled materials. You might want to learn more at http://www.myplasticbags.ca/: look at the stuff under "plastic film" too.
But it has apparently excluded bags that are coded Type 4, LOW-DENSITY POLYETHYLENE and only wants Type 2, HIGH DENSITY . For a complete story on those plastic numbers, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plastic_recycling
You will notice Type 4 on almost all your bread bags (or least, those in our household). While much plastic film is not coded, we would think that if a manufacturer does it is done for a positive purpose_ that is, recycling.
We would think (and hope) that the city staff who have written their website pages and news releases would use the standard industry numbers that we see on packaging. Instead they leave it to the householder standing in front of the big blue bin to almost guess what is good for city and was is not.
Check out what The Star's Royson James has written lately on this,
Testing our Recycling IQ & Patience, http://www.thestar.com/comment/columnists/article/536021
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