Councillor Jon Burnside, questioning staff, tries to paint picture of a surface boulevard replacing the Gardiner East as creating a dangerous situation for pedestrians and cyclists, as if the Lake Shore status quo isn’t already very dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists.
On questioning from Councillor Myers, staff say about 4% of cars use the Gardiner and the highway rehab project is taking 34% of the Transportation Services capital budget over next decade.
City Solicitor Wendy Walberg confirms that contracts specific to the Gardiner East have not yet been issued, so the City wouldn’t be risking exposure if they held off on signing contracts to conduct more analysis.
Before they can get to speaking and voting, Council breaks for lunch. Back at 2 p.m. Post-lunch sched: 1) introduction of members’ motions, 2) rest of Gardiner debate, 3) Scarborough busway debate.
Council is back — a little late, as always. They’re about to run through 43 “member motions.” These generally need a two-thirds vote (unless deemed urgent by Nunziata) to get added to the agenda. They can then either be adopted immediately or held for debate.
But first, a quick vote on holiday shopping. Carroll’s motion to NOT immediately designate Yorkdale, STC and St. Lawrence Market area as tourist areas exempt from holiday shopping rules and instead report back on criteria for exemptions CARRIES 25-0. secure.toronto.ca/council/agenda…
Council votes 21-4 to authorize the relocation of a Bingo hall. secure.toronto.ca/council/agenda…
Council votes 24-1 to APPROVE Councillor Mike Colle’s motion to report back on the possibility of building a statue honouring Gordon Lightfoot. secure.toronto.ca/council/agenda…
Councillor James Pasternak’s motion to request the provincial government deem councillors ineligible for jury duty CARRIES 15-10. secure.toronto.ca/council/agenda…
Councillor Paula Fletcher’s motion that council “oppose any new power generation proposal involving increased burning of fossil fuels, including natural gas, in our City” gets added to the agenda and held for debate (by Holyday). They’ll come back to it. secure.toronto.ca/council/agenda…
Councillor Paula Fletcher’s motion to evaluate the Unilever soap factory building for heritage protection CARRIES via a show of hands. Current East Harbour plans call for it to get demolished. secure.toronto.ca/council/agenda…
Councillor Malik’s motion to “recognize over eight decades of queer history, community, and the importance of placekeeping at Hanlan’s Point Beach” and for the Parks division to engage with advocacy groups about the queer history of Hanlan’s CARRIES 25-0. secure.toronto.ca/council/agenda…