Toronto City Council Convenes Final Meeting Before Election

Toronto's City Council met for its final session before the municipal election campaign begins, tackling a packed agenda. Key discussions included the fate of land around Billy Bishop Airport, where public opposition to jet expansion has been strong, and Mayor Olivia Chow's motion urging the province to repeal legislation allowing control over city land for the project. The province has stated it has no intention to repeal the legislation.

Councillors also reviewed a report on the early outcomes of Toronto hosting the FIFA World Cup, examining financial results and the impact of decisions like making 80% of fan fest tickets free, which created a budget deficit. Additionally, the meeting addressed resident concerns about proposed data centers, with councillors requesting staff to investigate potential impacts on noise, water usage, and local employment for projects in Etobicoke and Scarborough.

A significant motion introduced by Mayor Chow focused on banning or regulating 'surveillance pricing,' a practice where companies use personal data to set varying prices for the same products, particularly targeting groceries. While major retailers state they do not use this practice, the city is exploring regulatory options and seeking provincial and federal collaboration.

Other agenda items included an ombudsman's report critical of the TTC for not refunding unused tokens and tickets before their phase-out, public consultation results for the former Science Centre site, a heritage protection consideration for the venue Sneaky Dee's, and a decision on a new practice facility for the Toronto Tempo at Exhibition Place.