City
Morning Brew: March 27th, 2007
Your morning news roundup for Tuesday March 27th, 2007:
We had some record-breaking weather yesterday and might see a high of 21oC today. Open the windows and savour the pre-catastrophic bliss!
3.8%. That's how much more Torontonians will pay in property taxes this year to make up for a major lack of funds coming from higher levels of government.
If that doesn't represent enough gained revenue for the city, how about increasing taxes on fun? Some of the proposed levies are being called "sin taxes" and could involve a 5% tax bump on booze (isn't this already taxed to hell?), smokes (sure, go for it), and tickets to cinemas and live events (le grand boo!).
[Borat]Kazakhstan developer want build 80-storey very high condo at glorious intersection Yonge and Bloor. Great success![/Borat]
Our lottery system is dirtier than the can of worms the probe just spilled. Is major reform coming?
Facebook Facebook Facebook. Facebook. Toronto's public space crusaders Spacing lost their Facebook.
(photo: "Singing and Drinking" by blogTO Flickr pooler sevennine)
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I don't drink, don't smoke... but taxing concerts and movies? OFF WITH THEIR HEADS!
"While we have done significant work to control costs, the impact of provincial programs on the city's budget continues to require significant property taxpayer dollars. This fiscal issue needs to be finally resolved."
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Toronto Transit Commission members voted unanimously in favour of a controversial contract to buy subway trains Wednesday afternoon, despite an afternoon of debate at city hall.
The deal to buy 39 subway trains, made up of 234 cars, exclusively from Bombardier has touched off fireworks at city council.
The $710 million contract was not put through the usual tendering process. Critics of the deal said the absence of competitive bids could cost the city millions. At least one competitor claimed the order could be filled for $100 million less.
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Is there any wonder why the provincial and federal governments have turned a deaf ear to Toronto's pleas?
I'd almost prefer 5pc increase and keep everything!
What is the social cost to the city for movies that it's considered a "sin"? I can understand that cleaning cig butts and drink induced puke off the streets costs more but how does popcorn hurt Toronto except that we're going back to the old Orange City we used to be - no fun TO!
I think the City should introduce more taxes but solely targeted to the social costs Ontario downloads to us - then the tax could be called (and printed on bills) Ontario Municipal Download Tax. Bet the politicians would be looking to upload those costs pretty quickly with a reminder every time a constituent pays for something.
Let's accuse Toronto of obliquely supporting internet piracy by making it even more difficult for people to go out to a legitimate cinema!