Since Rob Ford's outgoing Chief of Staff, Nick Kouvalis, is such a good quote, let's do this first entry a bit differently. After news broke yesterday afternoon that on January 21 Kouvalis called City Hall security to escort Ford staffer Andrew Pask out of the building, an impromptu press scrum took shape, the result of which were some gems from Kouvalis: "It wasn't a big blow up. Just chatter, just talk, him and I. [I called security] because he wouldn't leave when I asked him to leave." And then: "We've done more than Miller did in seven years in a month-and-a-half. Are people always going to be able to keep up with me? No. Am I going to demand the best of them, yes. When I leave, [Mr. Pask] may come back, but I'm not gone yet." For all the jokes about Ford's weight, it's really the size of Kouvalis's ego that should be the target.

Potentially good news comes for those who believe that the Hearn Generating Station should be repurposed rather than torn down. Councillor Paula Fletcher confirmed that the City is reconsidering the possibility of converting the old station into an arena complex. Nothing's done yet, but the mere fact that it's up for discussion is a good thing.

The Globe takes a look at Toronto's Official Plan, which is up for mandated review in 2011, and speculates at what's in store. Although it's unclear whether the changes will be major or minor, the article provides an informative overview of the key components that'll be under scrutiny, such as the Harmonized Zoning Bylaw, Employment Lands Conversion, Development Charges, and the hiring of a new Chief Planner when Gary Wright retires.

The TTC will meet next week to trim $11 million from its 2011 budget, according to the Toronto Sun. "A memo from Chief General Manager Gary Webster to TTC chairman Karen Stintz and vice-chairman Peter Milczyn obtained by the Sun lists a new $7 million revenue projection, $4 million in a variety of cuts and the reduction of 103 staff positions."

IN BRIEF

• Torontoist takes a look at the new Salad King
• The Black Hoof Cafe will be turned into a full dinner restaurant
• Toronto singles are opting out of internet dating sites

Photo by tomms in the blogTO Flickr pool.