toronto payphone

Morning Brew: Ford donation controversy grows, Perks says he'll file a complaint, TTC attacker named, ROM goes green, and the University line takes a March break

Rob Ford could be in more political hot water for soliciting donations to his football foundation from lobbyists. Coun. Michael Thompson says it's time the mayor handed over control of the charity, which raises cash for sports equipment, to someone outside city hall. A statement from the mayor's chief of staff Mark Towhey said the foundation has attempted to remove all lobbyists from its mailing list after integrity commissioner ruled in 2010 the practice is an "improper use of influence."

Also on the topic, coun. Gord Perks says he'll personally file a complaint if a member of the public does not. Perks says "no elected official should solicit money from someone who does business with the government. Under any circumstances, ever." Could this be the start of more trouble?

Toronto police have released the name of a suspect they're seeking in connection with a stabbing on the subway Wednesday. Cassim Celani Cummings is wanted for attempted murder, aggravated assault, assault with a weapon, and failing to comply with probation, after allegedly stabbing a commuter in the neck near Davisville station. Cummings was reportedly harassing riders before the attack.

The ROM could get a green border, complete with trees and urban furniture, if revitalization plans get the go-ahead. The landscaped area will follow Bloor St. east from Philosopher's Walk, round the corner, and down Queen's Park. The museum still needs to find sponsors for the project. Is this a good idea? Could the area use more green space?

The University line will be closed this weekend (Saturday and Sunday) for major signaling upgrades. The subway will terminate at Union and St. George until Monday at 6am. Shuttle buses will operate on the route. The line will be closed for on at least one weekend day for the rest of March.

Also in closures, the intersection of Spadina and Lake Shore Blvd. will be partially closed for construction work today through Sunday. The ramp to the eastbound lanes of the Gardiner will also be closed.

IN BRIEF:

Chris Bateman is a staff writer at blogTO. Follow him on Twitter at @chrisbateman.

Image: "Endangered Species 64" by Dominic Bugatto/blogTO Flickr pool.


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in MB Toronto

Morning Brew: Councillors say Fords are in conflict over sewage spill, PCs pitch relief line, TTC driver under fire, Presto likely delayed, and local moonshine hits LCBO

Morning Brew: Daniel Dale libel suit to proceed despite apology, communication system hobbled TTC Monday, more snow is due, and Ford (plus council) dances again

Morning Brew: Daniel Dale to proceed with libel action, fresh snow makes for sloppy roads, Mammoliti billed $25K for office renos, and council meeting ends in chaos

Morning Brew: Karen Stintz to step down as TTC chair, Rob Ford busts a move in church, Conrad Black hits out, and effigy burnt in protest at Queen subway shooting

Morning Brew: Doug Ford sorry for handing out cash at TCHC complex, Rob Ford silent on Daniel Dale libel suit, and NDP leader calls for Nelson Mandela station

Morning Brew: Integrity commissioner declines to probe crack scandal, reporters, a few councillors attend Ford's xmas party, and motion could re-open subway debate

Morning Brew: Mammoliti event under investigation, Fords should leave police budget talks, report calls for GO trains over relief line, and Rob Ford claymation

Morning Brew: Ford says Bill Blair politically motivated, cop sentenced for G20 assault, TTC free on NYE, tears at Const. Zivcic memorial, and a Winston Churchill statue