Quick Hits

Jonathan Ross — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 15:17:19 +0000

Letters to Obama from citizens concerned with the already implemented cutbacks to local and state services in Illinois are now using the Vancouver 2010 Games as an example of why Chicago shouldn’t go through with its bid for the 2016 Summer Games. Now while the $6 billion of debt being tossed around in the above-linked letter isn’t entirely accurate, the headline used by Daphne Bramham in the Vancouver Sun last January will likely live in infamy for years to come.

An interesting article by Frances Bula on the development patterns that various municipalities take with urban rail – the local example being of course the new Canada Line. For those looking to purchase around the line, one thing should be kept in mind: past statistics show that properties located within two blocks of a new skytrain station tend to have their value drop, while those located within three to ten blocks away see their property values rise up to 20%. Close is good, but not too close.

This is a recording of yesterday’s appearance by CKNW’s regular municipal panel. It was interesting to hear the brains behind the NPA’s booster blog stumble and flail when confronted with Frances Bula’s information that the former Deputy City Manager Brent McGregor as well as the former Director of Communications Catherine Clement left the City’s payroll directly as a result of the actions of former Mayor Sam Sullivan’s office – of which said individual was the Chief of Staff for. Like I have stated previously, responsibility for individuals leaving (particularly at the management level) should not be pinned solely on the ruling party of the day, as there are a number of factors in each particular instance that can never be accounted for by outside speculation.

$300 for a bloody picture? I might consider it, if he looks like this, or maybe with a backdrop like this.

Finally, nothing related to civic affairs, but this radio station – 100.5 The Peak – is in my opinion the best addition to the dial in a decade. Fantastic music that is eclectic, diverse and not played to death by other stations, great contests (they left a five dollar bill on the steps of the art gallery, and now someone in the city has it and is entitled to $5,000), an awesome weekly top 30 and a 12-hour playlist available online that is available in case you hear a song and want to note it for future reference. I highly recommend you take a listen.

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