Al (they/them)🍉

… how much does their fare enforcement strategy cost… those POO officers ain’t free

"There have some people that are saying, 'OK, the police budget, why did you increase it?'" notes Councillor Mike Colle. "And I say, 'Where the heck have you been?' The policework has meant there's a significant decrease in criminal activity in Toronto."

Saxe asks if there's a "gravy train" at city hall — waste that could be cut without cutting service. "There are not hundreds of millions of dollars of 'waste'," says City Manager. But he notes city is always looking for ways to be efficient. $135 million in savings this year.

The Toronto Police Association has submitted a letter to the Inspector General of Policing of Ontario expressing serious concern over the recently announced Province-Wide Inspection on Police Integrity and Anti-Corruption Practices.   While examining any potential organizational shortcomings in light of Project South is important, we strongly emphasize that the few allegations do not reflect the character, professionalism, or conduct of our more than 8,500 members. We will, therefore, not allow them to be unfairly treated as collateral damage through an overly broad review.   Our official position and specific requests are outlined in the attached correspondence.

… how much does their fare enforcement strategy cost… those POO officers ain’t free

Pasternak ends by apologizing to the police for his earlier question about "hiding behind the charter." He says he has "high regard for them and high respect for their work."

Myers asks the TTC about their "fare evasion target." TTC rep says the TTC "recaptured" about $14 million in revenue via their fare enforcement strategy last year, total annual estimated "lost revenue" down to $121 million, from $141 million at time of last audit a few years ago.

Council presses pauses on their land transfer tax debate because Councillor Pasternak wants to be here to vote against it, and he won't be back until after lunch. Stay tuned.