A coalition of environmental, arts, labour, and social justice groups launched a new campaign called One Toronto yesterday, aiming to change the focus of the mayoral race to be less about cutting waste and more about social issues and the environment. Although One Toronto says it will not be endorsing any candidate, the campaign's website states that, "right now the debate is very negative, focused on what is wrong inside City Hall, and how to slash away the more and more aspects of city government. Shouldn't we be engaged in a debate on how to ensure that City Hall plays the most positive role possible in our lives?" So... I take it there weren't a lot of "Rob Ford for Mayor" buttons at the launch.

A University of Toronto student who has channeled his inner Leonardo da Vinci announced yesterday that he had completed the first continuous flight of a human-powered, flapping-wing aircraft. PhD student Todd Reichert successfully completed his ornithopter flight, which lasted 19.3 seconds and covered 145 metres, on his $200,000 flying craft named Snowbird. A representative from the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale was present to witness the precedent-setting event. Does this mean some competition is set to strike Porter at Billy Bishop some time in the near future?

World Car Free day was celebrated in downtown Toronto yesterday with a road blockade at Queen's Park North between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Previously held at Yonge-Dundas Square, the event was moved to block traffic from traveling north of Wellesley Street on Queen's Park Crescent since the Square was booked this year. Unfortunately, the celebration turned out to be more of a useless traffic obstruction, since few actually turned out to celebrate the event. And there was even mini golf! A shame...

Mayoral candidates headed to York University last night for--guess what--another debate! The five leading candidates talked about finance and transportation this time, focusing mostly on how to deal with the city's $3-billion debt. If you can believe it, Ford used the phrase "We're taxed to death in this city," and the rest jumped on the attack. We'll have a full round up of the proceedings later this morning.

In brief:

A former teacher at Toronto's St. Michael's College was charged in a sex assault case from 1953. The 88-year-old Reverend William Hodgson Marshall turned himself in yesterday, where he was charged with two counts of sexual assault.

The Art Gallery of Ontario hosted an annual toilet paper fashion show yesterday, showcasing dresses made by notable Canadian designers. I'm guessing dry clean only, at the very least.

And, it's the first day of fall, so happy autumn everyone!

Photo by makoto2007 in the blogTO Flickr pool.