Even as our city's gridlock is getting worse, apparently the number of cars being towed has steadily declined in the last five years, which, I'm thinking, may have something to do with the gridlock? Anyway, Toronto Police parking enforcement say that compliance is part of the reason behind the 33 per cent drop. Of course towing companies say the police don't always call in for a tow because of some weird competition-pride-lazy-thing.

Perhaps towing rates have decreased because we're such a good city for parking. In fact, a recent survey shows that we've got most of the world beat. According to an IBM study of 20 cities in the world, Toronto is the third-easiest place to park, behind Los Angeles and Chicago. Apparently it takes us an average of 13 minutes to find a space and we seldom fight over one either. What do you think — is this actually a good thing? Some would argue that finding it difficult to park in a city is a mark of desirable density and cycling infrastructure (e.g. NYC).

City councillor Denzil Minnan-Wong says that taxpayers shelled out over $1.4-million in mileage for city workers last year and that this is just "the tip of the ice berg." Among the highest totals were those who worked in transportation services (go figure) and the largest claim was for almost $20,000. Unfortunately now, no one can use the excuse they were looking for a parking space in the city, either.

Back in the day, I remember how cool it was if you got to be in the split-class, but this one sounds just downright confusing. Parkdale parents are protesting a three-way split-class at Parkdale Public School that combines grades 4, 5, and 6 together. The Toronto District School Board says the class is temporary, but splits aren't that unusual. Let's hope the TDSB doesn't get all Montessori on them.

IN BRIEF:

• Toronto: MESH city
• New York's toxic waste threatens Toronto's drinking water
• But does it matter? Jays beat White Sox
• What's Happy Science?

Photo by Michael Mitchener in the blogTO Flickr pool