The Toronto Transit System’s 501 Streetcar has received high praise indeed. It has made the National Geographic’s list of the world’s top 10 trolley rides because it is one of the longest transit routes in all of North America and it is a very scenic route. The 501 Streetcar line is almost 50 kms long and runs from Long Branch on the Mississauga border to the city’s easternmost streetcar loop at Neville Park. Currently it accommodates 43,500 riders per day during the work week. Unfortunately ridership has dropped dramatically in the last 25 years due to overcrowding, delays, unannounced route changes, and the expansion of the Bloor-Danforth subway and the Scarborough RT.

Never-the-less, the National Geographic was duly impressed and will include the 501 Streetcar in a new book called “Journeys of a Lifetime: 500 of the World’s Greatest trips”. You may take the 501 for granted, but she was named one of the world’s best trolley rides. The 501 is not a tourist line. It is an actual transit line used by the people of Toronto and it is one of the longest lines in North America. Traveling on the 501 is like seeing a microcosm of City of Toronto. Here are some of the sites that can be seen along the 501’s route:
•    The Beach
•    City Hall
•    Osgoode Hall
•    Impressive architecture
•    Nathan Phillips Square
•    Queen Street West with its funky shops, art galleries, bars, and restaurants
•    Old mansions
•    New Condos
•    Urban life
•    Industrial areas
•    Suburban life
•    Luxury
•    Decay
•    Parkdale
•    Roncesvalles
•    The waterfront
•    High Park
•    The Queensway
•    Lakeshore Blvd.
•    Long Branch

It really is quite marvelous when you come to think of it, as long as you are not in a rush to get to work and there isn’t a car stuck on the track……

Let’s face it, Toronto drivers are sadly lacking when it comes to winter weather driving. Snow, even in minor accumulations causes havoc on our highways and byways. And the amount of accidents with just a little snow on the ground is just staggering. During a snowstorm our roads are littered with hundreds, yes hundreds of accidents, and vehicles in snow banks and ditches. There seems to be a brain disconnect somewhere. The entire concept of “slippery roads means slow down” doesn’t seem to register. Very few people seem to have any idea of why 2nd gear is included with all vehicles regardless of whether they have manual or automatic transmissions. And since ABS brakes became standard equipment, drivers live with the mistaken impression that they can stop their vehicles on all road surfaces, including ice and snow.

It appears that there may soon be a penalty imposed for stupidity. There is a proposed change to the Highway Traffic Act to deal with drivers who won’t drive correctly for the road conditions – meaning YOU MUST SLOW DOWN in rain and snow. Failure to adjust your driving habits for the road conditions could result in being charged. It is assumed that the charge would be in line with an infraction like tailgating or making an illegal lane change. There is already a similar traffic policy in New York State where police can charge motorists who don’t respect the weather conditions where the law specifically deals with unsafe speed not befitting the road conditions. The Province of Quebec has just passed a law making snow tires mandatory.

Right now there is no accountability for driving inappropriately in bad weather except for an increase in your insurance rates. Do you think that charging drivers will result in drivers slowing down in bad weather?

The Toronto Transit system is stepping up to the plate this New Year’s eve and offering free rides from midnight to 4:00 AM. In spite of the cost - $80,000 – it is well worth it if it will save lives. Drinking and driving is a horrible problem in our society at the best of times, but on New Year’s Eve it is rampant. The TTC is looking for a corporate sponsor to help offset the cost. MADD Canada and the Toronto police are very supportive of the program.

The Ontario Provincial Police five-week holiday season RIDE program is now in effect and the 6 motorists were charged with impaired driving in the first 5 days. In addition, other police forces in the GTA, including the Ontario Provincial Police, are also conducting spot-checks throughout the holiday season. Unfortunately the recent snow storm has affected the number of spot checks in the city of Toronto as they are not set up as frequently in bad weather as the resources are needed elsewhere. Last year officers stopped almost 815,000 vehicles and charged 339 people with alcohol-related offences. They also issued 802 12-hour license suspensions and 365 suspensions lasting 90 days. Ontario has some of the toughest anti-drinking-and-driving laws in North America.

In 2007, 74 people died tragically and needlessly in alcohol-related accidents, which represent a 25% increase from last year. A study by the Traffic Inquiry Research Foundation says Canadians who drive over the legal limit climbed to just over 8%, up from about 5.5% in 2004. The RIDE program will continue through January 2, 2008. Impaired driving is the leading cause of criminal death in Canada. Have fun this New Year’s Eve but DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE!

Or is the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) heading for a breakup? One of the main reasons is the sheer size of the TDSB, currently at approximately 259,000 students. The ideal size of a board is 50,000. The reason for the enormous size of the current board is that after the amalgamation of the city of Toronto, the Mike Harris government amalgamated 7 school boards into the current TDSB as a cost saving measure. The result has been a board that is too large to manage efficiently.

The reality is that the TDSB has a very large budget deficit to deal with and that the current structure is clearly not working. But, how do you change the system while satisfying the population that you are trying to serve. The board of trustees will consider 4 different models.

•    Full de-amalgamation model - The TDSB would cease to exist and new boards would be created.
•    Increased local decision-making model - The TDSB would remain as is but more resources and decision-making power would go to local entities.
•    Federal model - Regional boards would be set up to deal with local issues but board-wide issues will be decided by a central governing body.
•    Umbrella model - This would basically revert to what it was like pre-amalgamation. Sounds just like the full de-amalgamation model, doesn’t it?

What do you think is the answer? Are you in favour of scrapping the TDSB completely? Or do you prefer more modest changes? Will anyone really be satisfied with the result?

On February 16, 2008 the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) will open the Sir Christopher Ondaatje South Asian Gallery to the public. Named after Sir Christopher Ondaatje for his donations to the museum, the gallery will showcase over 350 South Asian artifacts in a rotating exhibition for short periods of time. Multicultural Toronto, with its large South Asian community, is the perfect location to showcase amazing exhibit.

The exhibit will be organized into 9 separate areas, each representing a fabulous collection of South Asian religious objects and sculpture, decorative arts, arms and armour, and miniature paintings and textiles that hail from countries including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Tibet. The idea is to present the 5,000 year history of South Asian art as a series of stories. Visitors to the exhibit can visit any or all of the 9 areas in any order that pleases them. A few of the most coveted pieces of the collection are a rare 3rd century Buddhist reliquary with delicate gold and pearl ornamentation, a 12th century bronze statue of Shiva as the Lord of Dance, and a beautiful 18th century hand painted textile made for the export market.

Krishna is Hinduism’s most powerful divinity. Therefore, it’s only fitting that the first rotating exhibition will be “Playful Krishna” featuring 40 artifacts, including the recently acquired treasure of a “picchvai” which is a painting on cloth depicting the pilgrimage route to sites sacred to Krishna’s life. Each of the sections is as diverse as the time periods and the cultures themselves – “Material Remains”, “Visualizing Divinity”, “Passage to Enlightenment”, “Courtly Culture”, “Cultural Exchange”, “Home and the World” are your windows into this unique cultural experience.

For more information follow the link below.
www.rom.on.ca/exhibitions/wculture/southasia.php

The TTC must feel like it has won the lottery jackpot. The will be receiving 400 million dollars in funding for maintenance and expansion. On top of that an additional 100 million dollars will go toward Metrolinx, the new and improved name for the Greater Toronto Transportation Authority, for regional transit.

In case you don’t think that this spending is worthwhile here are some interesting statistics offered by Statistics Canada, Metrolinx, and the Ontario Ministry of Transportation.

•    Percentage of trips taken on transit in Toronto is 35%
•    Percentage of trips taken on transit in York Region is 9%
•    Percentage of Toronto area residents who say traffic congestion is a severe problem is 41%
•    Average Toronto area round trip commute time in 2005 is 79 minutes
•    Proportion of Toronto area workers with a round trip commute of an hour or more 66%
•    Number of car occupants in Toronto now is 1.1
•    Kilometres of carpool lanes on provincial roads in the Toronto region this year is 39
•    Kilometres of carpool lanes projected for 2031 is 400

As we all know the current transit system is not even close to meeting our needs. Hopefully commuters on the Lakeshore corridor while notice a significant improvement with the addition of 20 double-decker passenger coaches. York University will be better served with 10 new double-decker commuter buses on the Highway 407-Highway 403 corridor, and to York University. All-day, two-way train service between Toronto and Markham and Toronto and Newmarket and East Gwillimbury will be instituted.

Do you think that the 400 million dollars is being well spent?

The disabled face enough challenges in life without having to deal with able-bodied people who manage to obtain handicapped parking permits. These special permits give the disabled the right to park in specially designated parking spaces in shopping malls and other public parking lots, in addition to allowing them to park on the streets of Toronto for free. There 2 types of disabled parking permits – temporary and permanent. The temporary permits are usually given to people whose disability is a short term condition – post surgery or during the rehabilitation of an injury, while the permanent ones can apply to many conditions or illnesses. It is estimated that there are currently 470,000 temporary and permanent permits in use. And, abuse is rampant.

There are several ways that the province is attempting to end the disabled parking permit scams. Temporary permits are now issued for 12 months instead of 24. It has been suggested that these temporary permits should be done away with completely and that only people with serious long-term disabilities should qualify for a disabled parking permit. Interim permits are now issued for 2 months, instead of 6 while the applications are in process. There are many who say that this is a drop in the bucket and until law enforcement agencies get seriously involved, that there won’t be any significant improvement.

In New York City people seeking disabled parking permits must have a physician certify that there is a severe disability, and then this needs to be recertified by a New York City department of health physician. At the moment the only recourse that the city of Toronto has to deal with this problem is that parking ticket officers can investigate whether a permit belongs to the person using it. If the permit number is not registered to the driver or a disabled passenger using the vehicle, the person fraudulently using a disabled parking permit can be fined up to $5,000.

Do you know an able-bodied person who is using a disabled parking permit? What do you think should be done about it?

Now in its 15th fabulous year, The Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto is running its “Room at the Inn” program from December 1 – December 30. Partnering with St. Michael’s Hospital, Casey House Hospice, and Hospice Toronto this outstanding Toronto hotel is offering short-term, complimentary accommodations to families in need that are visiting hospitalized relatives in Toronto.

The “Room at the Inn” program makes up to 10 guestrooms per night available to families in need, with a maximum of 7 room nights per family. The medical partners are responsible for determining the eligibility of each family on an individual case by case basis. In addition to the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto, the Fairmont Château Laurier in Ottawa, The Fairmont Winnipeg, and The Fairmont Newfoundland are also participating.

It’s wonderful to see a world class hotel open its doors and its heart to those families who are struggling with illness, particularly at this time of year. Through the generosity of the Fairmont Royal York these families will be able to remain together and be able to offer love and support to each other during this difficult time in their lives.

For families visiting hospitalized relatives in Toronto, there truly is “Room at the Inn”. Please pass this information along to those who may be able to avail themselves of this wonderful, charitable program. For more information please call 1-800-441-1414 or follow the link below. www.fairmont.com

Bravo Fairmont Royal York for giving back to the community in a meaningful way and helping to make the holidays a little brighter for families in need.

Have you finished your holiday shopping yet? If not, have no fear. There are plenty of great shopping spots in Toronto for all tastes and budgets. And, there is plenty of time left.

The Toronto Eaton Centre is considered by many to be the main shopping area in the city. It is also a designated tourist area and such is open even on statutory holidays. With more than 285 stores for your shopping pleasure right in the heart of the city, you will have no problem finding something for everyone on your gift list. Follow the link below for all of the information.

http://www.torontoeatoncentre.com/home/index.ch2  

Bloor/Yorkville is also known as Toronto’s Mink Mile. Home to the most exclusive and expensive boutiques in the city, shopping in Bloor/Yorkville is an experience not to be missed. Follow the link below to find out where the rich and famous will be doing their holiday shopping this season.

http://www.bloor-yorkville.com/

The St.Lawrence Market area is not only the home for the best food shopping in Toronto, but the streets surrounding the market have become the Mecca for home décor. Whether you are looking for a little curiosity, a unique gift item, or hand crafted furniture, you’ll find everything that you are looking for on King east of Jarvis and on Front Street near the Flatiron Building.

Queen Street West, is Toronto’s SOHO area. Known for funky shops, art galleries, retro boutiques, and local designers, you can find everything from a designer gown to a Goth outfit. Check out the shops for something original.

Queen’s Key Terminal, is in the heart of Toronto’s Harbourfront district. There is a diverse selection of shops showcasing jewelry, art, lingerie, fashion, and toys. Take a break and enjoy the views of the waterfront from the lovely restaurants and cafes. For all of the information on the Queen’s Key Terminal follow the link below.

http://queensquay.sites.toronto.com/

PATH, Toronto’s underground shopping system, is the answer to Toronto’s winter weather. Path is the largest underground shopping network in the world, 27 kilometres long and home to more than 1,200 shops. You can find everything that you need without ever coming above ground.

Are you a bargain hunter? For discount shopping deals in the Greater Toronto Area follow the link below to the Shoestring Shopping website.

http://www.shoestringshopping.com/

The holiday season is a great time to reconnect with friends and family. Hosting a party doesn’t have to be a big production. It can be relaxed and inexpensive or elaborate and formal, depending on your personal style and your own holiday traditions. Here are ten great ideas for your holiday party in Toronto.

1. Theme Party: Spice up your holiday party this season by making it a theme party. Try themes like Casino Night, Hawaiian Night, Victorian Christmas, Roaring 20s, or make up your own. Ask your guests to all come in costume. Try to select a menu and drinks in keeping with the theme. Tropical themes are all great fun in the midst of our winter season.

2. Boat Cruise: I’d be willing to bet that many of you don’t know that you can take a Christmas cruise in the Toronto harbour. Cruising in our winter wonderland is just spectacular. Don’t worry about the temperatures. All of the yachts are fully heated. Contact www.merrycruises.com for more information.

3. Caroling Party: Share the spirit of the season. Once your guests have gathered, head out for some caroling in your neighbourhood. If someone in the group plays a portable instrument like the guitar, even better.

4. Personal Chef: Hiring a personal chef is the ideal way to serve a magnificent sit-down dinner without any of the work. Consult the Canadian Personal Chef Alliance for personal chefs in your area by following the link below.

http://www.chefsearch.ca/

5. Christmas Scavenger Hunt: Scavenger hunts are fun for adults and children alike. And you’ll have as much fun creating the hunt as your guests will in participating.

6. Hire Entertainment: A great way to make your party a memorable occasion is by hiring entertainment – karaoke, fortune tellers, and hypnotists are some of the most popular. Follow the link below for some entertainers in Toronto.

http://www.buyitcanada.com/Toronto/Arts-Entertainment/Entertainers/

7. Charity Party: Gather all of your guests and go out to volunteer together at a mission or a soup kitchen. Or, ask everyone to bring a non-perishable food item which you can then take over to your local food bank. Or, bring a toy for a child in need and deliver it to one of many organizations in your area accepting donations.

8. Winter Activity Party: Go as a group and enjoy the holiday season outdoors by participating as a group in skating, tobogganing, or skiing. I’m sure that they’ll all appreciate the hot chocolate, cider, or mulled wine afterwards.

9. Murder Mystery Night: Enjoy a fun evening of murder and mayhem at home. Create your own game or buy one of the games available at many stores. Have everyone dress their part and serve an appropriate menu to enhance the game.

10. Open House Party: This tried and true holiday party is the most popular and the easiest to organize. There are no rules. Anything goes. Decide on the time, what you want to serve, prepare the guest list, send out the invitations, and voila – instant party.