COVID-19’s bright side for the housing supply
Ice Condos, the Toronto building that had the most complaints regarding short-term renters, took a lead in banning Airbnb accommodations amidst the coronavirus crisis. The move was followed at Residences of Maple Leaf Square—which brought us Chair Girl—amidst more downtown condos being offered for longer-term leases now.
Toronto’s vacant infrastructure
Gerry Flahive’s salute to Toronto subway collector booths, in which he once worked for a summer, comes right before the already planned vacancy of the 45 that remain occupied. Ironically, it will happen while the contentious TTC fare-checking system is thrown into chaos. But shuttered city infrastructure is the interim standard.
Sixteen tonnes and what do you get? The federal government is facing fresh fire for the decision to send that much personal protective equipment to China in early February. The global affairs department defends the shipment as a move to stop the global spread of COVID-19. But the face mask shortage in Canada has led to wishing for some kind of donation reciprocation.
More stump-at-home politics
Andrew Scheer participated in the Conservative opposition to COVID-19’s Liberal “power grab.” But his front-running leadership replacement was left to agitate from the sidelines. Peter MacKay continues to push for the race to continue, if not have its June 27 vote moved up virtually, lest a window for a federal campaign be missed:
Burton Cummings is the most honestly self-isolated live music streamer. From his home in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, the Guess Who legend prides himself on giving truly impromptu shut-in performances. By comparison, David Foster and Katharine McPhee provide a window into what married life is like when you’re 35 years apart.
Finally, taking off to nowhere
SCTV had its most glorious days of taping in the isolation of Edmonton. As a result, talk of a public monument to the series in Alberta’s capital commenced long ago. So, while everyone else was social distancing, artist Ritchie Velthuis installed his Great White North piece at 103 Avenue and 103 Street, after sculpting it for more than a year:
