Morning Brew: March 27th, 2007

3.8%'s not bad. On my place that's $76 a year. If Toronto could get its financial house in order, maybe it wouldn't be necessary.

I don't drink, don't smoke... but taxing concerts and movies? OFF WITH THEIR HEADS!

It bothers me that they can spend money on a huge "Live with Culture" campaign and then propose that we pay for it (again).

Hmm, the Borat tag isn't working on my browser... I must be a version behind... it's supposed to come up magenta and blinking, right?

"Carroll is calling on Queen's Park to hand over at least $71 million to help cover the current budget shortfall.

"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?

If 3.8pc covered all existing services that's one thing but apparently 900k is going off the library budget (fewer sunday opening libraries) and other stuff is being cut too. Hiking taxes and cutting service is something Queens Park does too - Ontario Health Tax while cutting OHIP.

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.

Yeah, since when have movies become a "sin"? Screw that.

Let's accuse Toronto of obliquely supporting internet piracy by making it even more difficult for people to go out to a legitimate cinema!