Toronto

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/41684285

As a major snowstorm caused travel chaos, serious weather alerts, highway closures and school cancellations, some working for Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation were told to head into the office.

“Just a reminder that we have a 5-day a week in person requirement,” the email, seen by Global News, said.

It added that the snow meant staff could arrive late and leave early as long as they made an effort to attend.

“Otherwise,” the note concluded, “please take a vacation day, which some … staff are doing today.”

The message was sent after schools in Toronto had announced they would close for the day, and while emergency services and Environment Canada were urging people to avoid all non-essential travel.

“Allow extra time for travel,” the weather agency wrote. “Non-essential travel should be avoided.”

About an hour after telling workers to head into the office or use a vacation day, the directive was revised.

“We are now being advised that if you have your equipment, you may work from home,” the follow-up, sent at 10:35 a.m., said. “Staff to decide for themselves if it’s safe or possible to drive in today. Please use your best judgment and prioritize safety.”

Toronto.. Hectic and beautiful at the same time..

Un-fucking-believable…

cross-posted from: https://sh.itjust.works/post/53198948

Just a shortish personal account of someone's brother who ended up taking off to Rochdale College (object of minor obsession for me the past few years) in the 60s that I enjoyed. Couldn't think of anywhere else to share it that made more sense.

Despite removing previous citizen-created tiny homes, the City of Toronto now seems poised to fund its first tiny home community. The catch? Providers must offer the land.

See also: https://www.canadianarchitect.com/ontario-science-centre-opening-interim-location-at-harbourfront-centre-by-summer-2026/

You can also submit comments on a motion to save the original Science Centre building: https://secure.toronto.ca/council/agenda-item.do?item=2025.MM35.4

without paywall

https://tinytinyhomes.ca/

Mississauga city councillors are questioning the future of the program, citing safety risks, enforcement struggles and the rising cost of managing the devices.

This year, the program recorded 120,112 trips covering 336,313 kilometres — a seven per cent increase from 2024.

Mahoney criticized using taxpayer dollars to support a private program and noted that police lack the capacity to enforce rules on private devices.

Across 100 citywide parking stations — including corral-style, bike rack-style and painted areas — staff observed an 8.3 per cent non-compliance rate. Dasko asked how compliance was measured, noting multiple instances of e-scooters parked in unauthorized locations.

While Coun. Dipika Damerla said she supports the program, she called for stronger agreements with vendors, suggesting fines if shared devices are not collected within 24 hours when parked outside designated areas.

Municipal enforcement staff cannot issue violations for moving vehicles under the Highway Traffic Act, according to city staff.

Staff said they estimate it will cost $150,000 to expand bike parking stations across the city, using money already approved in the bicycle parking program. Locations, staff said, would be chosen based on ridership volume.

Staff also noted that the investment could support a citywide expansion in 2026, but speeding up the rollout to all parts of Mississauga would require more municipal funding.

Coun. John Kovac urged caution in spending on the program, citing concerns that it could be cancelled in the future, similar to the automated speed enforcement cameras, which were also part of a provincial program.

While the provincial pilot program makes e-scooter use legal, Mississauga’s program is intended to be permanent, with an initial vendor contract of three years and the possibility of extending for two more.

A woman who was found on fire inside a tent in south Etobicoke on Tuesday is in hospital with severe, life-threatening injuries, say paramedics.

A couple of requirements: please no GTA suggestions, just within the city of Toronto. Also needs to be vegetarian. And not Mr. Sub or Subway.

Can be anywhere from 2-5 feet, looking for something comically large as possible.