The eternal search is over. Finally, the question of what mayoral candidate Rob Ford would actually spend money on if elected has been answered. Brace yourself:

Ski hills.

"Absolutely, they're essential," Ford told the Toronto Sun editorial board last night after news broke that two of the city's ski hills are in jeopardy. "It's what I call smart spending."

Ford said he believes that recreational programs merit city investment. City council voted to drop the ski hills at Centennial Park Etobicoke and Earl Bales in North York from the budget, but since the private sector hasn't shown much interest, the facilities may not open in the winter.

Pantalone was confused by Ford's position, calling it a contradiction since Ford was "Mister Cut Everything, contract out, spend less and less." Smitherman was also critical saying, "He can express all of the sympathy he wants for keeping Etobicoke Centennial Ski Hill and North York going, but the missing ingredient is money."