Morning Brew: Toronto to become the new wild west of advertising?, shocking shenanigans at day camp, police want help identifying arsonist, a car-free downtown, and the City mulls $129 driveway paving permit
Toronto: the new "Wild West" of advertising? Maybe, thanks to the executive committee's approval of a city naming rights policy Tuesday that has critics fearing it will turn our city's public space into billboard heaven. The new policy would mean that the city takes an active role in soliciting cash from outside parties in exchange for the right to re-brand public assets. Proponents of the policy believe it's a great source of revenue for or cash-strapped metropolis, though it's not known how much money it will generate.
Parents were stunned to hear about the shocking shenanigans that went on at a Markham day camp this summer. Apparently the kids, aged 12-14 years old, were rewarded with ice cream bars and the like if they licked a port-a-potty, ate ants or were taped to a wall. According to the mayor of Markham, the dares were the ideas of the kids and were unfortunately allowed to proceed. Unfortunate indeed, since Frosh Week won't be much fun for them now.
Police are hoping the public will be able to identify a local arsonist thanks to his distinctive walk in a video that was released yesterday. The man, who has a noticeable limp, is believed to be behind more than 10 fires in the Gerrard and Church Streets area in recent weeks.
Local fashion label 18 Waits is taking inspiration from the sounds and sights of Queen Street West (which isn't that much of a surprise) but what makes the label uber-local is its commitment to premium manufacturing, which means the line is entirely made in Canada.
Can you imagine a car-free downtown Toronto? Former mayor Mel Lastman could. Back in 1999 Lastman predicted that the city might ban vehicles in the core on account of gridlock and poor rapid transit. Good old Mel. Via Reddit.
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