Our weekly recap of the week’s Toronto-centric news nuggets will bring you up to date and ensure you have a small-talk ace in your pocket as you head into the weekend.
Wynne rejects private meeting with Ford to discuss ice storm
This week Mayor Ford announced his intentions to meet with Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne regarding extra funding for the city in the wake of the ice storm, only to have his invitation rebuffed by the premier. Wynne said she will only meet with Deputy Mayor Norm Kelly, who was given most of the mayor's power in the wake of the cram scandal. While Ford blamed partisan politics, City Councillor Shelley Carroll has her own theories about why the Premier refuses to meet with Ford. "It's the crack, Rob," she tweeted this Wednesday.
Toronto cabs propose "vomit fee"
A report by Toronto's taxi cab licensing commission presented 40 suggestions to improve cab-culture in the city, and among the more controversial ideas was a $25 "vomit fee." The money would go towards cleaning the cabs, and also hopefully serve as a disincentive for Toronto partiers who might otherwise be too casual about hopping into a cab with a bottle of Southern Comfort in their digestive tracts.
Olivia Chow Update
Olivia Chow says she is "seriously" thinking about running in this falls Mayoral election. Oh, you're just serious now, Olivia? Was the last year of speculation just fun for you?
Nordstrom coming to the Eaton Centre
To the joy of cross-border shoppers across the city, it was announced this week that upscale American department store Nordstrom is soon to land in the Eaton Centre. It will take over three of the five floors that once belonged to Sears, and it has yet to be determined which retailers will be taking the rest of the space.
Rachel McAdams has a slippery sidewalk
Everyone hates it when neighbours don't salt their sidewalks, but what if your neighbour is international super-star Rachel McAdams? As it turns out, you'd still hate it—Annex residents are enraged that the actress has apparently failed to shovel or salt her sidewalk all winter. So if you've ever wondered whether dating Ryan Gosling makes you immune from the laws of the land forever, there's your answer.
Sarah Polley was snubbed
In other entertainment news, Toronto director Sarah Polley's heartbreaking documentary Stories We Tell was not nominated for an Oscar this week. In related news, Toronto now has another reason not to watch the Oscars, or as it is increasingly being known "The Golden Globes for Old Men."
Owen Pallet was not snubbed
…but if you have to watch the Oscars, make sure you tune into the music categories, where Toronto-born musician Owen Pallet might bring home the prize for his work on the Spike Jonze film Her.
Bitcoin ATM in Toronto
Bitcoin, officially defined as a “a digital crypto currency" now has an office and ATM machine, in downtown Toronto. What does that mean? I'm not entirely sure, but if I'm stuck at a party with tech nerds this weekend, I fully intend to bring it up and pretend I do.
Toronto FC signs major international talents
This week was a good week for Toronto sports fans. No, the Leafs won't likely make the playoffs, but Toronto soccer might soon fill that special hole in our hearts. TFC signed England star striker Jermain Defoe and influential U.S midfielder Michael Bradley to the team this week, and with a renewed sense of optimism, season ticket sales have been soaring.
Toronto comedian dishes on dating in L.A.
For some comedy to send you into the weekend, Toronto native Lauren Ash, previously of Call me Fitz, Bomb Girls and Almost Hero was on the Conan O'Brien Show to promote her new US network comedy Super Fun Night. In her interview, she gave the world an intimate look into the world of dating in Los Angeles, which includes armpit sniffing, if you're curious.
