Toronto

Paywall removed: https://archive.is/15K4Z

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/25878550

The Greenbelt scandal is the elephant in the room of Ontario’s 2025 election, even as Doug Ford’s Progressive Conservatives try to leave it in the rearview.

It’s been more than a year since the RCMP opened an investigation into the boondoggle, which saw the Ford government open sections of environmentally protected land outside Toronto for housing construction in fall 2022. That move came at the request of a select group of well-connected developers who stood to make more than $8 billion from the deal. 

In early February, The Trillium reported that two former Ford government staffers — one a central figure in the Greenbelt changes who resigned amid the fallout, the other an employee of Ford’s re-election campaign — are being sued by a developer alleging they accepted money in exchange for promises to use “backchannel contacts” to rezone land, but did not deliver.

It also prompted attention from journalists, who soon revealed developers stood to be the main beneficiaries. Ontario’s auditor general and integrity commissioner released twin reports in August 2023 that were chock-full of bombshell revelations. The public was furious, while Ford remained defiant, even as Amato and Clark resigned from their roles. (Clark has remained an MPP in the Progressive Conservative caucus, and was named government house leader last June.)

But there were also spinoff scandals. One revolved around a pre-wedding stag-and-doe party for one of Ford’s daughters in the months before the Greenbelt changes — developers were invited, and attendees were encouraged to give cash gifts to the happy couple in addition to the $150 ticket price. Another involved a Las Vegas trip involving key Tory figures and a would-be Greenbelt developer that happened in 2020. There were also allegations about an alleged unregistered lobbyist dubbed Mr. X who had close ties to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

Finally, in September 2023 — as new salacious details mounted about a Tory MPP getting a massage at the same time as a would-be Greenbelt developer during that Las Vegas trip, prompting more resignations in the Progressive Conservative government

There were major delays reported along a portion of Line 1 on Tuesday morning after ice and snow on the rails at Davisville Station resulted in a train getting stuck.

The issue was first reported at around 7:40 a.m. and didn’t clear until shortly after 9 a.m.

Shuttle buses were running between Bloor-Yonge and Eglinton stations while service was restored.

In a post on social media, the TTC said that there was a train stuck at Davisville Station “due to ice and snow on rails,” which meant that trains were only able to travel through the stations using one of the platforms.

While full service has since resumed, the TTC says that delays of up to 10 minutes are being reported between Vaughan and Finch stations due to a separate issue related to weather conditions.

Didn't expect to see Ryan Donais there, but the man himself was checking in on the housed, and I got to shake his hand. Keep it up Ryan!

TL;DR: I don't even know what I'm asking.

I got attacked on my way to my room. It was from a dude I used to talk to back when we were trying to find a homeless shelter together. I think he was on drugs and attacked me when he realized I wouldn't give him money.

He got me in the shoulder and lower abdomen but thankfully my prosthetic is perfectly fine and the cops literally saw the entire thing unfold so realistically I should be dead but I was able to receive help quickly.

I haven't started my new job yet so I currently don't have an income. $45 is impossible for me to pay right now. Thank you to the Toronto Police.

Unrelated but are we actually paying European level taxes for substandard service or is that a myth?

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/25616911

A growing body of research suggests that road salt contributes to metal corrosion and can have a negative impact on ecosystems. Despite the introduction of some successful alternatives, many Canadian cities are still using salt because it's cheaper.

Ice eggs, or ice balls, are a rare natural phenomenon caused when small pieces of ice are rolled over by wind and currents in freezing conditions and grow into spheres of ice. This phenomenon is currently observable at Woodbine Beach. Spheres are mostly orange-sized, with some larger ones that are as big as basketballs. More info: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ice_eggs#%3A%7E%3Atext=Ice+eggs%2C+or+ice+balls%2Cpack+together+in+striking+patterns

Sign the Change.org petition:
https://chng.it/9NM7ndPJyj
https://tinytinyhomes.ca/
https://www.youtube.com/@tinytinyhomes

Email to Carrytel Customers: Dated Feb 11

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to inform you of an upcoming adjustment to the pricing of our services at Carry Telecom. We have always been committed to providing you with high-quality internet, VOIP, and IPTV services at competitive prices. However, due to recent economic changes and our continual commitment to enhance service quality, we find it necessary to revise our pricing structure. The current monthly fee of your Cable Internet 1000(ON HotDeal) is $49.99. From Mar 17,2025, your new monthly service fee will be $64.99.

The decision to adjust our prices has not been made lightly and is influenced by several key factors: Inflation: The ongoing global economic situation has led to increased costs across various sectors, impacting our operational expenses. Labor Costs: To maintain our high standard of service and customer support, we have invested in our workforce. This includes fair and competitive compensation for our dedicated team, ensuring we attract and retain the best talent. Investment in Our Network: We are continually upgrading our network infrastructure to provide you with more stable and robust services. These enhancements are crucial for meeting the growing demands for high-speed and reliable connectivity.

We understand that any price increase can be of concern. Please rest assured that this decision is in alignment with our goal to offer you the highest quality of service. We are dedicated to continual investment in our technology and people, ensuring that you receive the best possible experience.

We thank you for your continued support and understanding. Carry Telecom remains committed to providing you with exceptional service and connectivity solutions.

Warm regards, Carry Telecom Inc.

A Toronto city councillor is calling for an immediate review of safety measures after a woman was critically injured by a construction vehicle working on the Ontario Line.

According to Toronto police, a 46-year-old woman was struck by a dump truck while crossing at the intersection of Mortimer and Pape Avenues on Feb. 6. She was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Somewhere on College Street

There are apparently underground passages connecting the hospitals on University Avenue and all the way to Queen's Park TTC station. I couldn't find a map or even many references to its existence. This Instagram post is the most I could find, but it's unclear if it's open to the public, or how to get there.

Anybody here has experience with it?

Beer Store locations across Ontario are shutting down as the chain faces unprecedented competition.

What was once held a monopoly for the sale of beer and other ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages across Ontario could soon be facing extinction, as a swath of closures have wracked the company in recent months.

Hey,

I made a post here earlier about my work attire so thank you all for the feedback.

I'm starting a new job soon but I still have yet to secure a place so I'm currently still homeless at the moment. I just need a little bit of food to hold me over for the month.

The staff at the food bank first asked if I was a student, then they asked me if I was employed and told me to show them the offer letter. One of them asked me how I lost the arm and I said I wasn't comfortable in saying why.

They then finally asked me where I live and I stupidly said that I was homeless. They then told me that they can't offer any assistance to me at this moment and urged me to leave.

I feel so humiliated and defeated. I thought food banks provided for everyone.

“This proposed budget will mean change in Torontonians’ lives today. Change means libraries open seven days a week, transit fares frozen while TTC service increases and thousands more kids fed meals at schools and summer camps,” Chow told reporters at city hall.

“Pools open sooner and longer; renovictions prevented by taking housing off the market and more support for tenants; traffic agents to keep Toronto moving and emergency responders arriving sooner when you need them most.”

☝️Now that's how a politician should talk about taxes.