Rob Ford says the TTC's decision not to seek competitive bids to operate its newsstands, bakeries, lotto booths, and cafes, is "absolutely appalling" and an "embarrassment." The Commission voted against the advice of its staff and elected to deal only with Tobmar Investments International, the current tenants, who offered to pay higher rent and open new outlets.
Also in Ford, he might want six more years but the mayor could still be vulnerable in a two-way election, according to The Star. According to a poll, Ford would lose in a straight race with Olivia Chow, John Tory, and, surprisingly, Karen Stintz. Do you think Ford could become a two-term mayor?
Kathleen Wynne, Ontario's premier-designate, says she's ready to lead in a minority government after winning the Liberal leadership vote Saturday night. Wynne vowed to build bridges to with opposition parties but has already been the target of a PC attack ad that calls a "McGuinty Liberal Ontario can't afford." Are you pleased to see Wynne take the top job?
The Toronto Island airport wants its own armed police force to boost security, respond to alarm calls, and take part in special investigations, according to The Star. The unique group of officers would also allow the airport to become a staging area for US customs, something Porter Airlines has been pushing for for some time.
Bagel lovers are grieving after a fire destroyed Haymishe Bagel Shop Sunday morning. It appears the fire started in the basement of the North York staple and spread through the upper floors of the store near Bathurst and Lawrence, causing roughly $500,000 worth of damage. The fire was extinguished by 2 pm.
The weather this morning is pretty shabby. Freezing rain, snow, and showers have cancelled school busses in York, Peel, and Halton, and caused trouble on roads in the GTA. There have already been several accidents on major highways. Drive safely.
IN BRIEF:
- Escaped guard dogs maul bystanders in North York [The Star]
- Woman's torso found in Kitchener garbage bin [CP24]
- Memorial held for Kesean Williams; trust fund set up for family [CTV News]
Chris Bateman is a staff writer at blogTO. Follow him on Twitter at @chrisbateman.
Photo: "Frozen" by Acid_Punk/blogTO Flickr pool.