Morning Brew: July 18, 2008
Photo: "Monotonix @ Sneaky Dee's" by nowhere3, member of the blogTO Flickr pool.
Your Toronto morning news roundup for Friday July 18th, 2008:
In today's edition of 'news you didn't expect', a report by Statistics Canada has found that not only is Toronto's crime rate going down, but our city actually has the lowest crime rate per capita than any other major metropolis in Canada. For the first time, I'm actually proud to be below Montreal and Vancouver in a national ranking.
Despite the study's assurances that our city is safe, two shootings dominate the headlines this morning: a man and woman were shot outside the By The Way Cafe in the Annex last night, while another man was shot and killed at an east-end highrise which was the scene of similar violence less than a week ago.
Next time your city councillor decides to take you out for dinner (what, that doesn't happen?), you might want to help pay for the meal: city council has approved new spending guidelines making it harder for councillors to justify expensing expensive meals and alcohol purchases.
A quick word of advice: if you're competing for a $1.25 billion contract with the TTC, make sure you play by the rules. The Commission tossed out two bids by TRAM Power Ltd. and Bombardier for the new streetcar fleet because of non-compliance issues.
All the drivers complaining about high gas prices can find some solace in the fact that crude oil prices are falling, and the effects of that will likely be seen at the gas pump. Or will they?
Whatever the price of gas ends up being this weekend, do us all a favor and make sure you don't gas and dash: gas theft is on the rise, putting strains on independent gas stations, and probably doing a bit to help raise our previously falling crime rate.
Think our weather is unbearable here? At least you didn't have to play golf in the rain (actually, that doesn't sound so bad). Ontarian Mike Weir braved the winds and drizzle at the British Open to finish yesterday's round two strokes back of the leader.
The Jays are sitting much more than two proverbial strokes back (trailing the Rays, Red Sox, and Yankees in the standings) and need something to shake up the lineup. Is steroid-tainted home-run king Barry Bonds the person to bring some much-needed change to our beloved Blue Jays?
Comments (23)
About the Brunswick Avenue / By the Way Cafe shooting...It was 5 shots fired; no less. I live at that intersection; I heard them through my open window.
Five shots?! Crazy. How was the pandemonium after that? Were the police able to keep everything in relative control?
Well, I don't know if it was that wild; the only thing I heard was the shots, no screaming or anything. (and I'm right next to the crime scene.)
What was really neat was when the swat team was sent to comb the neighbourhood for the shooter; 10 guys with semi automatics charging down Brunswick.
You know, if we give Pickering that north section of Scarborough, we could probably drop another percentage point or two in crime rate.
Ryan, that's actually more like central/east Scarborough. give Mornelle to Pickering and you'd still have to do something about (pick one) Parliament, Jarvis, Bathurst/St. Clair, the Entertainment District....whew, my fingers are getting tired!
I'm sort of glad the streetcar tender has been reopened. Isn't it a bit cocky of Bombardier to submit a bid in which they admit the streetcar won't work on Toronto's tracks? I hope more companies put in bids now.
Does anyone know why the TTC is insisting on 100% low floor cars? Is it an accessibility thing?
Also, Barry Bonds !!!
I'm surprised these gas stations don't just switch to "pay first." Not only does it avoid theft, but it speeds up the flow.
I still don't get why people bother going inside and lining up, possibly causing some backup behind them outside instead of a quick swipe to pay at the pump.
Guy, yes it is. I don't know how well it will work though, considering that there are areas where there is a curb (ie. on right of ways) and areas where you board at the street level... I'm unsure of how well this will work in theory.
At least now there's a chance for more competition to come through with bids!
Mississauga's on its way to becoming another financial basketcase, so Toronto's probably better off with Scarborough, warts and all.
Alright, I say we take Vaughan. After all, they've got Canada's Wonderland that really awesome huge Highland Farms that has a whole aisle dedicated to sparkling water.
Oh, and Barry Bonds?
I'd rather adopt Rochester than Vaughan. Yeah, that's right - I went there. Suck it 905. (I kid, I kid - I have family up there... and frankly, I don't like the macho, Italianess, up there... )
Lay off of Scarborough. You're all just jealous of all the awesome parks, big backyards and wicked roti shops.
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