According to a poll commissioned by the National Post, Global Television and Newstalk 1010, the majority of Toronto residents are in favour of a major gaming facility somewhere in the city. 52% of those surveyed said they "strongly or somewhat" wanted a downtown casino, 42% were opposed. Speaking to the National Post, the senior vice president of the polling company called a casino a "slam dunk." Agree?
Speaking of gambling halls, the president of MGM says a gaming facility could peacefully co-exist with the CNE. Speaking before the Economic Club of Canada, Jim Murren said the Ex could sustain an "integrated resort." Too bad the president of the grounds doesn't agree. Brian Ashton says it's one or the other.
TTC chair Karen Stintz says Rob Ford needs a stronger agenda during the second part of his term if he's going to accomplish his political goals. Speaking on the question of whether Toronto's political leadership has failed the city, Stintz, a mayoral hopeful herself, said a clearer agenda would "alleviate some of the noise that takes place when we have sideshow issues." Do you agree that Ford needs to develop a clearer brand?
The Sun News Network lost $17 million in 2012 because it's not part of the mandatory cable package, according to the owners of the channel. The television counterpart to the newspaper company is lobbying to be made part of the standard cable package, which includes the CBC, to help turn its fortunes around. Being part of basic cable could make the company profitable by 2014.
Bixi's bikes are doing well in these wintery conditions, according to the Star. Big tires and aluminum frames prevent the rental cycles becoming unridable or falling to pieces in the face of chill weather.
Here's a neat info-graphic breaking down the diverse range of languages spoken in Toronto courtesy of the City. Most people with non-English first languages speak Mandarin shortly followed by Portuguese. When grouped together, "Other Chinese Dialects" actually comes out top.
The Real Jerk is continuing to have real problems with its new neighbours. The Caribbean restaurant was forced from its old digs at Queen and Broadview last year and is now trying to open a new place in the ground floor of a condo a few blocks west. Too many residents of the building aren't so crazy about the liquor license application currently in progress. 24 of around 60 residents have written to object.
IN BRIEF:
- Toronto police exhume teen's body in 1994 cold case murder investigation of older sister [The Star]
- "Sugar Daddy" site lures Toronto students with promise of financial gifts [The Star]
- Toronto bitter cold to stay a few more days [CBC]
- Dr. George Doodnaught: Surgeon hesitated to take action on sex assault complaint [The Star]
Chris Bateman is a staff writer at blogTO. Follow him on Twitter at @chrisbateman.
Photo: "Leafs' Home Opener" by Jackman Chiu/blogTO Flickr pool.