toronto kensington

Morning Brew: Ford against nixing rec fees, Lisi papers could be released today, city mulls affordable waterfront units, no corner store booze, and inspecting the Sam sign

Rob Ford says Toronto can't afford to scrap recreation fees. Charging for skating, swimming, and fitness lessons generates around $30 to $40 million a year for the city; removing the fee would require the city to get the money from property taxes. "You have to pay for stuff in this life, nothing's for free," Ford said.

A stack of papers related to the arrest of Rob Ford's friend Sandro Lisi could be made public today. Media lawyers for several Toronto organizations will argue before a Superior Court judge that the information, used to obtain search warrants to investigate Lisi, should be released. It's not clear what, if any, of the 480-pages relate to Rob Ford.

The City of Toronto could be about to snap up 70 to 75 units in a waterfront condo for affordable housing. The unbuilt homes, to be located in the $1.1 billion Bayside neighbourhood, just east of Sherbourne Common, would be owned and operated by a non-profit housing company and targeted at low-income tenants. Rob Ford isn't a fan: "You don't use your waterfront prime property for affordable housing," he said.

Cllr. Michelle Berardinetti wants right turn lanes on Eglinton Ave. E when the Crosstown LRT arrives in 2020. The turns will be banned from Brentcliffe Rd. to Kennedy station where the trains run in a surface right of way but Berardinetti wants the city step in.

No corner store booze for you. The provincial Liberals say they're not interested in 7-Eleven, Mac's, and Petro-Canada selling beer and wine even if they are pledging to promote local brews. Kathleen Wynne said the government would be expanding the LCBO distribution network by allowing wine and beer in more specialty stores. Bad result?

Ryerson yesterday allowed the first pictures of the Sam the Record Man sign since it was taken down and placed in storage. Cllr. Josh Matlow tweeted photos of the sign, which is in thousands of small pieces in a storage container behind a warehouse north of the city. It appears everything is labeled and in decent condition. Are you hopeful the sign will make a comeback?

And finally, Toronto Zoo looks poised to get a zip line. The Soaring Eagle ride would run over the arctic wolf and snowy owl enclosure to the Mayan Temple picnic area, according to papers before the zoo's board. The company planning to build the high wire says it will carry 40 people an hour.

IN BRIEF:

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

Image: Ferit Onurlu/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