Events Guide: Rob Ford says sorry, brown cities, last billboard consultation

WHAT: Rob Ford apology fundraising party
WHEN: Thursday, January 29, 2009 at 8:00pm
WHERE: Revival 783 College Street West @ Shaw
HOW MUCH: $10 suggestion
RSVP: Facebook listing

When city councillor Rob Ford made false accusations about fellow city councillor Adam Vaughan’s integrity and conduct through the public appointments process – enough was enough! Through Vaughan’s legal counsel an on-air apology was delivered on Ford’s regular radio appearance. The matter, which is not entirely resolved, is still under investigation by the City of Toronto’s Integrity Commissioner. Proceeds will be used to pay the legal bill incurred in securing the apology.

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WHAT: Brown Cities gallery exhibit
WHEN: Runs until Feb. 1
WHERE: Gallery DK, 1332 Queen Street West
HOW MUCH: free
RSVP: Facebook listing

It the wake of increasing gas prices, emphasis on carbon footprints, and the initiative with recycling – Brown Cities will focus on what still needs to be done to reduce the negative impact our habits are having on urban life. It will make the taken-for-granted visible. Not only neglect, rust and pollution, but also images of action, hope, remediation and life…. Images that represent a need and a call for action.

galleryDK is mounting a group photographic show examining the need for environmental initiatives in the urban landscape. Photographers and photography-based artists will be displaying images that investigate the browning of the urban environment. They will show the effects of pollution and urban decay – on the cities, on the people – and the resulting reaction/rebirth/renewal of the urban landscape.

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WHAT: Billboard sign by-law public consultation
WHEN: Thursday, Jan. 29, 7pm
WHERE: 100 Queen Street West, City Hall committee room #2
RSVP: Facebook listing

This is the last forum in which to tell City staff what you do or don’t want to see in the new billboard bylaw. The last time they had a public meeting at City Hall, the room was overwhelmed by billboard company executives and their lobbyists. The Toronto Public Space Committee is very pleased with many of the ideas being proposed by staff (such as a five-year sunset clause on new billboard permits and a system to notify residents of variance requests made nearby), but there are some suggestions (such as a tolerance for digital signage and the removal of a distinction between painted murals and vinyl faces) that could be problematic. f you’re unable to attend this meeting, you can send the City’s project team an email at signbylawproject@toronto.ca, leave them a message at 416-392-8000, or even fax them a submission at 416-392-7536.

photo by Miles Storey