Paul Magder, the Toronto citizen who brought the conflict of interest case against Rob Ford, says the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act must be "interpreted harshly" to ensure the public trusts its elected officials. In a factum filed Dec. 24, Magder outlined the arguments his lawyer Clayton Ruby will make before an appeal hearing on Jan. 5. "Nothing less than the integrity of government is at stake," says Magder.

Here's something to make you feel warm inside (in addition to that early-morning bourbon): east-end firefighters delivered Christmas gifts to children in Scarborough General Hospital yesterday for the fifteenth year in a row.

According to the New York Times, Toronto is a hot-bed of locavore eats and farmers' markets just begging to be explored. The paper's travel section explores several of our city's best places to find local produce, including Sorauren Park Farmers' Market, Dufferin Grove Market, and the stalwart St. Lawrence Farmers' Market, in a travel piece published yesterday. [via Reddit]

The next few days could be pretty snowy if weather reports prove accurate. A system moving into southern Ontario from the US this morning could bring a significant amount of lake-effect snow to the GTA. Several incoming flights to Pearson airport have been cancelled as a precaution.

As for yesterday's snow, no-one seems sure if it was a white Christmas or not. Environment Canada requires an even 2 cm of snow at 7am, something that didn't really happen in the city, but most ordinary folk seemed content to chalk one up, the first Christmas snowfall since 2008.

If you're planning on braving the threat of foul weather here's out guide to Boxing Day deals in Toronto. Remember to keep it civilized, folks.

Finally, found a USB near Staples at King and Yonge? This guy wants it back - not for the naked pictures and video it contains (all legit) - just for the pictures of Japan and cars. Help a guy out if you find it - there's a $50 reward. [also via Reddit]

IN OTHER NEWS:

• Canadian dance legend, Willy Blok Hanson, dies at 98 [The Star]
• Lotto Max winner says $50-million jackpot won't change her Christmas plans [National Post]
• 4 rushed to hospital after being stabbed in North York [CP24]

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

Photo: "underground king" by Proletar1at from the blogTO Flickr pool.