Rob Ford has responded to allegations yesterday that taxpayer-funded "special assistants" from his office help coach his football teams. In a statement, Ford called his accusers "cowards" but did not directly address the accusations. Later that day, an anti-waste taxpayer's group, Canadian Taxpayers Federation, criticized Ford. Even the The Sun, usually a dependable ally, said Ford needs to "smarten up." No love from taxpayers and The Sun? Yikes.
Developers unveiled their plans for phase three of the Regent Park revitalization yesterday. A new park, Regent Park Athletic Grounds, will add a soccer pitch and cricket ground to the neighbourhood between Sumach and River, north of Shuter. The construction project could also add more then 2,500 new homes to the area.
Looks like the TTC will increase fares in the new year. TTC chair Karen Stintz says the hike, which will likely be kept in line with inflation, hasn't been finalized. The Commission also has to hammer out the details of its proposed outsourcing of cleaning duties.
The west end intersection where cyclist Jenna Morrison was killed last November is getting traffic lights and a ban on right turns on red. The public works and infrastructure committee voted yesterday to spend $175,000 on the upgrades in the hope of making the intersection of Sterling Road and Dundas West safer.
Finally, bike thefts in Toronto usually end the same way: police reports are filed, insurance pays out (ideally), and the property is never recovered. Recently Redditor David Park spotted someone with his stolen bike and decided to confront the rider. His girlfriend caught the exchange on video.
ALSO HAPPENING:
- Jays' Romero drops 13th straight decision [CBC]
- Secrecy on trash pick-up frustrates councillors [The Star]
- Tenth victim comes forward in Annex sex assault case [The Star]
- Natural Environment Trail Strategy: Have your say [Toronto]
- What do you think should be done with Casa Loma? [National Post]
- Toronto blue box to accept clamshell containers [CBC]
Photo: "Linseed: Green Roof" by Vic Gedris in the blogTO Flickr pool.