Matthew Bingley

Toronto City Hall Reporter

Author Archives

• TTC tests out body cameras as part of new use-of-force policy

  The TTC is launching a nine-month pilot program that will see special constables and fare inspectors equipped with body cameras. Critics say the plan may not be effective.

  Politics

  Apr 12
• Strike deadline set by TTC union representing hundreds of workers

  Union president Sumit Guleria said that after a difficult bargaining session last week the union voted in favour of setting a strike deadline of April 22 at midnight.

  Canada

  Apr 11
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• Toronto is pausing its stormwater charge consultations

  The city is pausing consultation meetings while it figures out how the surcharge would align with the city's other ongoing plans.

  Canada

  Apr 3
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• It could become easier to drink alcohol in Toronto parks. Here’s what’s changing

  The City of Toronto looks set to expand and make permanent its alcohol in parks pilot. A new, full-time plan will allow drinking in at least one park in every council ward.

  Canada

  Mar 29
• Parking pad dispute spurs questions over Toronto’s electric vehicle charging plan

  David Jankovic said he's been left frustrated by the process, which he feels is at odds with the city's own goals of reaching carbon neutrality.

  Politics

  Mar 13
• “Everyone needs help” Toronto hosts recruitment to bolster crisis teams

  As the city works to expand what it’s calling its fourth emergency service, Toronto held a recruitment drive to find people to work for its Community Crisis Service Team.

  Health

  Mar 6
• Councillor says Toronto island tax system ‘smells of privilege’

  There are about 260 homes on Toronto's harbour islands and while the residents there don't own the land, it remains one of the most picturesque and desirable areas to live in.

  Politics

  Feb 29
• TTC accused of secrecy over Scarborough RT derailment report

  A report into last year's Scarborough RT derailment is prompting criticism. The TTC is being accused of quietly posting it to their website, instead of bringing it to the board.

  Politics

  Feb 22
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• Toronto eyes changes to dangerous dogs registry

  On Tuesday, the Economic and Community Development Committee will hear back from city staff who are recommending several changes to the registry.

  Canada

  Feb 19
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• Toronto finishes 1st budget under Mayor Olivia Chow with record tax increase

  After more than a month of budget discussions, Toronto's financial plan for the next year is set. It includes a last-minute boost for police, among other changes.

  Politics

  Feb 14
• Toronto’s relatively snowless January leads to some budget savings

  The City of Toronto has spent a fraction of its annual snow clearing budget amidst a mild winter but unpredictable weather means it's too soon to count the savings.

  Canada

  Feb 13
• Mayor Chow to lower proposed tax increase in upcoming budget

  Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow is preparing to reveal a budget with a property tax increase somewhat smaller than staff previously pitched.

  Politics

  Jan 31
• Charges dropped against Hamilton man tasered while having seizure

  Marcus Charles was working at Canadian Tire in 2022 when he suffered a seizure. After he didn't respond to police directions, he was tasered.

  Crime

  Jan 30
• Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow tries to ‘set the record straight’ on police funding

  Olivia Chow is trying to shift the narrative over the upcoming 2024 budget as Toronto police pile pressure on the mayor's financial plan.

  Politics

  Jan 24
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• Toronto Public Library service nears return months after cyberattack

  Months after a cybersecurity incident knocked Toronto library services offline, they are slowly returning. City officials are urging patience in the wake of the ransomware attack.

  Canada

  Jan 18
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• Tension between Toronto and Trudeau government inflamed by 2024 tax hike

  Toronto's budget gamble to demand more funding from Ottawa has angered at least one Liberal MP. One Etobicoke representative said they were 'outraged' by the move.

  Politics

  Jan 16
• Toronto unveils proposed 10.5% tax hike in city budget for 2024

  City of Toronto's budget chief announced the 2024 budget unveiled Wednesday includes a 9% property tax increase and a 1.5% increase in the city building levy.

  Politics

  Jan 10
• Councillor pushing city to keep Toronto’s secondary bike lanes clear of snow this winter

  A Toronto councillor is pushing to improve the maintenance of bike lanes in her city as a winter storm threatens to finally strike.

  Politics

  Jan 5
• Toronto eyes changes to dispute system to increase speed cameras

  As the city looks to double the number of cameras in operation, a new report is recommending it change how the fines issued by speed and red-light cameras are disputed.

  Politics

  Jan 4
• Bitter dispute over modular housing site in Toronto sees ruling in favour of city site

  A years-long fight over the location the city chose for a modular supportive housing building has come to an end, but bitter feelings remain among those opposed to the site.

  Politics

  Jan 3
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• One-on-one with Mayor Olivia Chow following a turbulent Toronto year

  In her six months in the mayor's office, Chow has presided over major transformative changes that will define Toronto for decades to come.

  Canada

  Dec 29, 2023
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• Toronto council votes to rename Etobicoke stadium after Rob Ford

  In a 17-6 vote, councillors passed a motion to honour the former mayor despite his legacy of scandals while in office. A similar motion was tabled in 2017, but failed.

  Politics

  Dec 15, 2023
• 23 candidates search for breakthrough in Scarborough Southwest byelection

  After more than a decade with the same municipal representation, change is guaranteed in Toronto's ward 20 during the upcoming Scarborough Southwest byelection.

  Politics

  Nov 29, 2023
• Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow says federal homelessness offer inadequate, calls for more funding

  Olivia Chow doubled down on her calls for help from other levels of government after Global News reported the city had turned down an offer of help from the federal government. 

  Politics

  Nov 23, 2023
• ‘I’m pretty much speechless’: Outrage after Toronto turns down federal shelter offer

  The federal government was prepared to offer Toronto two locations to act as temporary shelters and funding for a third, Global News has learned. The city, however, turned it down.

  Politics

  Nov 22, 2023