Toronto’s 680 News has written a snarky story about how the TTC has caved in to political pressure from City Hall to close King Street and disrupt the 504 streetcar line from University Ave to Peter St for the five-day Toronto International Film Festival. No doubt residents will assess the story according to their own prejudices about TIFF and the mayoralty of John Tory. But the radio station tartly remarks on its website that his worship is all in favour of the street closure notwithstanding his election pledge to “keep this city moving” For the TTC, it appears to mean the 504 route will be split in two — an east and west division, so to speak. There is an additional political element not mentioned by the Rogers-owned 680 News. It’s that Bell Canada is the Prime Sponsor of TIFF. Rogers and Bell are coiled business opponents. Here is part what 680 said:
The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) board brushed aside its own staff report on Wednesday night, voting in favour of a plan to close King Street for four days during the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). The plan to close King Street from University Avenue to Peter Street between Sept. 10 and 13, has the backing of Mayor John Tory, despite his election vow to “get this city moving.” Shortly after taking office, Tory released a six-point plan to ease congestion, which included a crackdown on the seemingly endless series of event road closures that plague motorists, notably marathons. But when it comes to rolling out the red carpet for Hollywood heavyweights and film buffs, Tory’s hot to trot. The mayor, and councillor Joe Cressy, penned a letter to TTC board members, pressing for the closure.“We are pleased to write to the TTC board in support of (TIFF’s) request to close King Street … to create the pedestrian friendly hub known as “Festival Street,” the letter stated.
