Toronto needs to rediscover its gun culture, according to National Post columnist Matt Gurney. Writing in response to the recent council debate and subsequent approval of a bylaw exemption for the Sportsman's Show to promote guns at its annual event (which is taking place on City property), Gurney argues if Toronto had a culture of responsible gun ownership then lawful owners wouldn't be stigmatized as part of an anti-gang strategy. What do you think? Is there such a thing as "healthy gun culture" in urban centres or should firearms have no place at all in cities?

The Globe and Mail says many of the events at the 2015 PanAm Games will be "clustered" in Toronto, meaning more events at Exhibition Place and less travel for athletes. "Centennial Park in Etobicoke, York University, University of Toronto Scarborough, and U of T's downtown St. George campus" will also see events in plans being unveiled later this morning.

Be careful out there - chunks of concrete fell from the Gardiner for the second time this week yesterday. There were no injuries from either incident but it's certainly worrying. This week Councillor Adam Vaughan said road tolls on the elevated highway could help pay for maintenance if city council and Queen's Park can't find the cash.

Speaking of crumbling relics, Casa Loma needs $20 million of external repairs and more for the inside. The century-old home generates roughly $1 million a year from tourists. Any ideas as to how we can make this landmark more relevant?

Is there a coyote prowling Toronto Islands? Residents say more than 20 cats have gone missing in the community of around 700 since late last year. On a few occasions, chunks of feline have been found, suggesting a predator. According to OpenFile, the unwelcome visitor could have walked over from the Lesie Street Spit when the water around it last froze (though one would thing the Eastern Gap is also a possibility).

The Salem and Westmoreland Avenue parkettes located a block north of Bloor will be getting a makeover soon courtesy of local residents, Ryerson students and Councillor Ana Bail達o. When complete, the long, narrow parks will include new picnic areas, outdoor exercise equipment, bike storage and a community garden and generally less trash.

Police closed an area near Bloor Street West and Etobicoke Drive to investigate a suspected pipe bomb yesterday. Except, it wasn't a pipe bomb. The cylindrical tube was a geocache - hidden treasure from a GPS game. Geocaching is a popular game in which players track down real life treasure using GPS co-ordinates.

And finally, here's some aliens to set you up for the weekend. Toronto band Mad Ones filmed this music video for their song "Out of Love" with their film maker friend Matt Finlin. In it, a pair of bizarre out-of-towners visit High Park and Duffy's Tavern. Enjoy!

IN OTHER NEWS:

• Alvarez leads Blue Jays over Twins [Globe and Mail]
• Shotgun blast killed man in Oriole Park, police say [CBC]
• Globe to charge readers for online content [Globe and Mail]
• Blogger aims to trade toy car for condo [CBC]

Photo: "untitled." by jamesbf in the BlogTO Flickr pool.