toronto streetcar interior

Morning Brew: Parking rate hike, World's Biggest Bookstore might close, breathalizing prom teens, second shooting victim innocent bystander, and hot, hot heat

Drivers, make sure you have extra change handy - Toronto's parking authority wants to generate an extra $4 million in revenue by hiking meter rates. The size of the potential increase, set to go before committee next week, will depend on where you want to park - the most expensive meters could go up by 50 cents, cheaper ones by a quarter. There's some good news though - the committee will also discuss a 10-minute grace period on parking tickets. Will this affect where you park?

The famous World's Biggest Bookstore on Edward Street could close next year, giving a suburban big-box retail store like Walmart or Home Depot a chance to establish a large store downtown, according to the real estate agent managing the lease. Indigo, the current leaseholders, say they might not renew their agreement when it expires.

Malvern Collegiate Institute students will be breathalized as they arrive for their prom this Friday - if teachers detect alcohol, the student won't be allowed inside. Man, that absolutely blows.

"Community garden? No thanks, we're scared of who might show up." NIMBYism gets ugly at Winchester Square.

Over in Ottawa, Metrolinx has been forced to push back its 1st July Presto card launch to February because 60 per cent of the scanners on city busses were found not to work. Sounds perfect for the TTC - can't wait.

In scorching news, today will be just as sticky, sweaty and generally uncomfortable as yesterday with temperatures expected to hit 33 degrees. Friday is supposed to bring sweet, sweet relief in the form of cooler air and thunderstorms. Hey, at least we set a record.

The second man shot during the College Street attack on Monday was a bystander, according to Toronto police. Authorities aren't identifying the victim who was hit in the stomach by a stray bullet during the targeted killing of John Raposo at the Sicilian Sidewalk CafĂŠ to ensure his safety. The injuries are not thought to be life threatening.

THEY SAID IT:

"It's clear that Ford isn't up to the job. I believe it's time for an adult to be in charge."

Joe Cressy, a close friend of Olivia Chow's campaign co-chair, believes the MP would be an ideal candidate to run against Rob Ford at the next mayoral election. Too bad she's not interested.

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Photo: "Toronto Doors Open 2012" by Samantha Tan in the blogTO Flickr Pool.


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