Damn. Olivia Chow is really on a roll. CafeTO has been more smooth, garbage bins have been improved, a second pothole blitz… She’s really trying to ensure that people feel that those tax dollars are delivering tangible improvements to their day-to-day. Smart.

I think that’s what they’re asking for.

They would still have to construct it though, and no one would give them a deal on that…

I’m not getting excited. This will be VE’d like crazy; after all - this is Toronto.

Oh - I get what you’re saying, but I was simply quoting from the article. “I’ve said no to all new projects—very nice, wonderful projects, I’ve said no. Fix what we have first, and the new things will come later.” This is very, very hopeful, but given the political and funding climate I’m in...

Interview by the Globe and Mail with Olivia Chow: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/rob-magazine/article-how-toronto-mayor-olivia-chow-plans-to-fix-a-city-in-decline/ Two transit-related notes: She wants to focus on fixing what Toronto has as opposed to building anything new Agrees...

Metrolinx did not have anything to do with the O-Train.

I wonder if this is because of the Y?

That’s very true. Anecdotally, enforcement of all kinds appears to be dropping, and on top of that, it appears (again, anecdotally) that people are less invested in following rules for the public good. The latter is a big problem, because we’re never going to be able to enforce everything, so...

https://www.cp24.com/news/toronto-city-council-approves-increasing-fines-for-more-than-100-parking-violations-1.6851642 Fines for some parking violations were increased. Unfortunately the increases were watered down, and it seems like the number of violations targeted were cut as well (though...

This makes me furious. I thought buildings like this were as-of-right? What variances did it need and what are the next steps? Also, I’m not as sanguine about the impact of the delay here. It just makes everything more expensive. What a stupid outcome.

2025? I’m constantly surprised by how long it takes us to build. Is coordination between multiple entities also a major factor in delays?

Just don’t let them bother you. I’ve been on both sides: sometimes booting past people who are (to my mind) excessively slow. Other times being buzzed by much faster, more aggressive cyclists. I just keep reminding myself: “Arrive alive”.

Thank you for the answers and clarifications @Northern Light. It sounds like this is a combination of: 1. Relaxed conditions 2. Aligning on-paper policies with in-practice ones 3. Normalizing the above rules city-wide I’m a fan. Anything that simplifies and standardizes is appreciated.

Interesting. Is the above an improvement over what exists today? I have to admit: I’m surprised at the two terraces at the front. Also, if the lot butts up against low-rise houses behind, will terracing be required there too? I assume so? EDITS: This is the city’s page for the above...