Morning Brew: Kristyn Wong-Tam blasts Ford in an open letter, Jack Layton's makeshift memorial to be struck by Tuesday, ex-Leaf Wade Belak found dead, remaining Blockbuster Canada stores to close, and college support workers strike
City Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam blasts the Ford administration's governance in an open letter that was released yesterday. In the letter, Wong-Tam conveys her concern over Ford's unilateral decision-making, citing the decision to pass on the 2020 Olympics without consulting council. Wong-Tam also makes note that Ford's been unilateral in his governance strategy since day one (Transit City, anyone?) and questions Doug Ford's "special privileges" (a.k.a. "backdoor meetings") in the letter as well. Mayor Ford had no comment on the letter, saying he hasn't read it yet.
Well, we knew it wasn't going to last forever. The city is starting to scrub away the chalk-written messages to Jack Layton at Nathan Phillips Square, and the make-shift memorial will be gone by Tuesday. Messages that were written on paving stones will be left to nature. Flowers, fruit, and other items will be recycled, and letters and other personal items will be offered to Layton's wife, Olivia Chow, and his son, City Councillor Mike Layton, who's returned to work part-time.
I think we all scoffed at Doug Ford's vision of a large Ferris wheel and stadium at the Port Lands, but could it actually be a good idea? Probably not, but he did borrow his ideas from plans for other urban cities, including New York, Dubai, and, of course, Chicago. Those cities have redeveloped their waterfronts with a successful commercial bent, but with a lot of controversy, as well. So you know this fight's not over yet.
In some sad news this morning, former Toronto Maple Leafs enforcer, Wade Belak, was found dead in his Toronto condo from an apparent suicide yesterday. Belak, who retired earlier this year, had played in the NHL for 15 seasons. He was 35. Belak is the third NHLer to pass away suddenly since May.
IN BRIEF:
- Remaining Blockbuster Canada stores to close
- Jays beat Orioles 13-0
- College support workers officially on strike
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