🇨🇦 Stephen Wickens 🇨🇦
@stephenwickens.bsky.social
Retired after 47 years at four Toronto papers.
Transportation researcher and author of Station to Station (a report on the soaring costs of subway building in the Toronto area). https://rccao.com/research/files/RCCAO-STATION-TO-STATION-REPORT-APRIL2020.pd
Transportation researcher and author of Station to Station (a report on the soaring costs of subway building in the Toronto area). https://rccao.com/research/files/RCCAO-STATION-TO-STATION-REPORT-APRIL2020.pd
Reposted by 🇨🇦 Stephen Wickens 🇨🇦
Withrow Park in Toronto, erased to reveal people skating on the same spot exactly 100 years before.
Feb. 10, 1923 📸: City of Toronto Archives
Feb. 10, 2023 📸: ©Jeremy F. Hopkin.
#waitforit #thenandnow #OnThisDay #1920s #skating #parksandrecreation #TorontoHistory #toronto #canada #jeremyhopkin
Feb. 10, 1923 📸: City of Toronto Archives
Feb. 10, 2023 📸: ©Jeremy F. Hopkin.
#waitforit #thenandnow #OnThisDay #1920s #skating #parksandrecreation #TorontoHistory #toronto #canada #jeremyhopkin
Now & Then: Withrow Park, 1923 & 2023.
YouTube video by Jeremy Hopkin
youtu.be
February 10, 2026 at 2:23 PM
Withrow Park in Toronto, erased to reveal people skating on the same spot exactly 100 years before.
Feb. 10, 1923 📸: City of Toronto Archives
Feb. 10, 2023 📸: ©Jeremy F. Hopkin.
#waitforit #thenandnow #OnThisDay #1920s #skating #parksandrecreation #TorontoHistory #toronto #canada #jeremyhopkin
Feb. 10, 1923 📸: City of Toronto Archives
Feb. 10, 2023 📸: ©Jeremy F. Hopkin.
#waitforit #thenandnow #OnThisDay #1920s #skating #parksandrecreation #TorontoHistory #toronto #canada #jeremyhopkin
Those sick of provincial overreach
might want to form a Parti Torontois.
might want to form a Parti Torontois.
When I get my dream of Toronto municipal parties, the requirement should be no provincial or federal affiliation. Municipal has its own ideologies. We need Projet Toronto not Toronto Liberal or Toronto NDP.
The Liberal Party of Canada produces bad mayors. PhD dissertation idea for whoever wants it.
February 9, 2026 at 3:27 PM
Those sick of provincial overreach
might want to form a Parti Torontois.
might want to form a Parti Torontois.
Reposted by 🇨🇦 Stephen Wickens 🇨🇦
Yes because “being positive” obviously is the best strategy for unraveling this clusterfuck of a transit quagmire. Somedays Ontario politics feels like it is a @thebeaverton.com story waiting to happen
February 6, 2026 at 9:58 PM
Yes because “being positive” obviously is the best strategy for unraveling this clusterfuck of a transit quagmire. Somedays Ontario politics feels like it is a @thebeaverton.com story waiting to happen
The Eglinton Crosstown fiasco has been more a symptom of dysfunction at Metrolinx and Infrastructure Ontario. The inquiry we need goes well beyond studying this project or Finch West. We need to seriously end the secrecy and change how agencies with the power to buy votes report to the politicians.
My response to Doug Ford’s dismissal of our call for a public inquiry into the Eglinton LRT fiasco that lacked transparency or accountability:
"A premier whose government is currently under investigation by the RCMP … doesn't get to say 'take my word for it,’
"A premier whose government is currently under investigation by the RCMP … doesn't get to say 'take my word for it,’
February 6, 2026 at 9:51 PM
The Eglinton Crosstown fiasco has been more a symptom of dysfunction at Metrolinx and Infrastructure Ontario. The inquiry we need goes well beyond studying this project or Finch West. We need to seriously end the secrecy and change how agencies with the power to buy votes report to the politicians.
C'mon #Metrolinx and your 'communications' staff:
You have a #derailed #GO train. Trying to soften
the message by calling it a 'disabled' train
reflects badly on you. This reluctance to level with the public in simple, clear terms says so much about where this troubled organization's priorities lie.
You have a #derailed #GO train. Trying to soften
the message by calling it a 'disabled' train
reflects badly on you. This reluctance to level with the public in simple, clear terms says so much about where this troubled organization's priorities lie.
February 3, 2026 at 1:38 AM
C'mon #Metrolinx and your 'communications' staff:
You have a #derailed #GO train. Trying to soften
the message by calling it a 'disabled' train
reflects badly on you. This reluctance to level with the public in simple, clear terms says so much about where this troubled organization's priorities lie.
You have a #derailed #GO train. Trying to soften
the message by calling it a 'disabled' train
reflects badly on you. This reluctance to level with the public in simple, clear terms says so much about where this troubled organization's priorities lie.
Reposted by 🇨🇦 Stephen Wickens 🇨🇦
@thebeaverton.com - making news make since, since, I'm guessing Confederation? This one is heart-warming and so true thebeaverton.com/2026/01/nati...
Nation could really use Catherine O'Hara to deal with passing of Catherine O'Hara
OTTAWA - Following the passing of screen and comedy legend Catherine O'Hara, nationwide reports indicate that the only thing Canadians could use to cheer them up from their grief is Catherine O'Hara.
thebeaverton.com
February 1, 2026 at 9:54 PM
@thebeaverton.com - making news make since, since, I'm guessing Confederation? This one is heart-warming and so true thebeaverton.com/2026/01/nati...
For decades I've tried to get to Ottawa to skate the canal.
Finally made it yesterday with a brother and a friend.
We had so much fun we went back for more today.
Thousands and 1,000s of skaters were out having fun, including nuns in full habit and a couple saying 'I do'.
Do it! I highly recommend!
Finally made it yesterday with a brother and a friend.
We had so much fun we went back for more today.
Thousands and 1,000s of skaters were out having fun, including nuns in full habit and a couple saying 'I do'.
Do it! I highly recommend!
January 31, 2026 at 9:30 PM
For decades I've tried to get to Ottawa to skate the canal.
Finally made it yesterday with a brother and a friend.
We had so much fun we went back for more today.
Thousands and 1,000s of skaters were out having fun, including nuns in full habit and a couple saying 'I do'.
Do it! I highly recommend!
Finally made it yesterday with a brother and a friend.
We had so much fun we went back for more today.
Thousands and 1,000s of skaters were out having fun, including nuns in full habit and a couple saying 'I do'.
Do it! I highly recommend!
Further to your point: Some of the troika's people would go out of their way to ignore or even, occasionally, troll fairly knowledgeable people who've been warning them about impending problems for decades.
The fact that the TTC/City of Toronto/Metrolinx troika realized they had to do something better for TSP only after being shamed into it after the very bad press following the catastrophic opening of the Finch LRT speaks volume of how broken transit governance is over there.
January 31, 2026 at 2:17 PM
Further to your point: Some of the troika's people would go out of their way to ignore or even, occasionally, troll fairly knowledgeable people who've been warning them about impending problems for decades.
Reposted by 🇨🇦 Stephen Wickens 🇨🇦
#EastEndLove Round 2 @dylanreid.bsky.social :)
@anthonyfarnell.bsky.social @pialiroy.bsky.social @marvinmacaraig.ca @stephenwickens.bsky.social @dmrider.bsky.social @dontmesswiththedon.bsky.social
@evergreencanada.bsky.social @grahamwithers.bsky.social #EastEndTO
@anthonyfarnell.bsky.social @pialiroy.bsky.social @marvinmacaraig.ca @stephenwickens.bsky.social @dmrider.bsky.social @dontmesswiththedon.bsky.social
@evergreencanada.bsky.social @grahamwithers.bsky.social #EastEndTO
Hey everyone - I started a Toronto East-enders starter pack. I'm always curious about who else lives in our zone - roughly Don Valley to Victoria Park, waterfront to Taylor Creek (but flexible). I know there's people I follow who I didn't include, so reply for me to add you. go.bsky.app/9psq3Hq
January 29, 2026 at 1:55 PM
Reposted by 🇨🇦 Stephen Wickens 🇨🇦
January 29, 2026 at 4:40 AM
How New York is dealing with the snow.
I don't know how well it's work and at what price, but it's an interesting model that might be of interest here in Toronto.
@toronto.ca
I don't know how well it's work and at what price, but it's an interesting model that might be of interest here in Toronto.
@toronto.ca
Break out the shovels ... and hot tubs. NYC and New Yorkers gear up for the storm. The New York City Department of Sanitation will use hot tubs to melt snow in the coming storm. Private property ow...
#News
Origin | Interest | Match
#News
Origin | Interest | Match
Break out the shovels ... and hot tubs. NYC and New Yorkers gear up for the storm.
Private property owners be warned: The city will fine you for failing to shovel a sidewalk.
gothamist.com
January 29, 2026 at 3:26 AM
How New York is dealing with the snow.
I don't know how well it's work and at what price, but it's an interesting model that might be of interest here in Toronto.
@toronto.ca
I don't know how well it's work and at what price, but it's an interesting model that might be of interest here in Toronto.
@toronto.ca
Might just be a glitch, but it should be noted that reliable meteorological reporters are telling us the east end got it hardest by the storm.
the plowTO map seems to have a huge blank space where #eastendTO is. @paulafletcherto.bsky.social - whats going on? the snow finished Sunday!
January 28, 2026 at 10:53 PM
Might just be a glitch, but it should be noted that reliable meteorological reporters are telling us the east end got it hardest by the storm.
Apparently I've been unfair by not including a bsky link for the other councillor representing Coxwell. I did include him in my parallel X tweet, but Brad Bradford doesn't appear to be on Bluesky. All councillors and their staffers need to walk their words and see what their constituents are facing.
How much longer should we be patient with @toronto.ca over half-assed sidewalk clearing? Three days after the storm, the walk down Coxwell was an eyeopener, dangerous. Scooters in the street and seniors struggling with shopping carts. @paulafletcherto.bsky.social @mayoroliviachow.ca how.ca #SnowTO
January 28, 2026 at 9:31 PM
Apparently I've been unfair by not including a bsky link for the other councillor representing Coxwell. I did include him in my parallel X tweet, but Brad Bradford doesn't appear to be on Bluesky. All councillors and their staffers need to walk their words and see what their constituents are facing.
Don't get me started about TTC stops. There are so many stops where you can't use the back doors of the buses because of the wall of snow. Lots of places, the sidewalks at the front doors are only marginally better.
I had the, um, pleasure of getting off a Dundas streetcar last night at Broadview and Millbrook. On the one-block walk to my street, I lost my footing three times. And got up on a snowbank twice to let someone pass. Of course, the city website said it had been plowed in the past four hours. Uh-huh.
January 28, 2026 at 9:28 PM
Don't get me started about TTC stops. There are so many stops where you can't use the back doors of the buses because of the wall of snow. Lots of places, the sidewalks at the front doors are only marginally better.
How much longer should we be patient with @toronto.ca over half-assed sidewalk clearing? Three days after the storm, the walk down Coxwell was an eyeopener, dangerous. Scooters in the street and seniors struggling with shopping carts. @paulafletcherto.bsky.social @mayoroliviachow.ca how.ca #SnowTO
January 28, 2026 at 8:55 PM
How much longer should we be patient with @toronto.ca over half-assed sidewalk clearing? Three days after the storm, the walk down Coxwell was an eyeopener, dangerous. Scooters in the street and seniors struggling with shopping carts. @paulafletcherto.bsky.social @mayoroliviachow.ca how.ca #SnowTO
Reposted by 🇨🇦 Stephen Wickens 🇨🇦
Doesn’t Toronto have the ability to do Montreal-style snow removal? (Just more slowly because they don’t have to do it as often.)
Montreal’s snow removal operation — snow is trucked away from streets to snow dumps — is really effective.
But also *expensive*.
Each centimetre collected across the city costs $1 million.
An operation collecting 15 cm of snow costs $15 million.
The city does it about half a dozen times a year.
But also *expensive*.
Each centimetre collected across the city costs $1 million.
An operation collecting 15 cm of snow costs $15 million.
The city does it about half a dozen times a year.
January 26, 2026 at 3:21 AM
Doesn’t Toronto have the ability to do Montreal-style snow removal? (Just more slowly because they don’t have to do it as often.)
Nah, our politicians first have to spend a few days defending the way we do things before deciding there's an emergency.
Doesn’t Toronto have the ability to do Montreal-style snow removal? (Just more slowly because they don’t have to do it as often.)
Montreal’s snow removal operation — snow is trucked away from streets to snow dumps — is really effective.
But also *expensive*.
Each centimetre collected across the city costs $1 million.
An operation collecting 15 cm of snow costs $15 million.
The city does it about half a dozen times a year.
But also *expensive*.
Each centimetre collected across the city costs $1 million.
An operation collecting 15 cm of snow costs $15 million.
The city does it about half a dozen times a year.
January 26, 2026 at 4:07 AM
Nah, our politicians first have to spend a few days defending the way we do things before deciding there's an emergency.
Early this evening, tire ruts had already become de facto sidewalks. #Toronto #Snowstorm2026 #SnowTO
January 26, 2026 at 3:41 AM
Early this evening, tire ruts had already become de facto sidewalks. #Toronto #Snowstorm2026 #SnowTO
There's nowhere to plow the snow to.
Where are the old Toronto MetroMelt machines?
Where are the old Toronto MetroMelt machines?
January 26, 2026 at 3:17 AM
There's nowhere to plow the snow to.
Where are the old Toronto MetroMelt machines?
Where are the old Toronto MetroMelt machines?
Reposted by 🇨🇦 Stephen Wickens 🇨🇦
Osgoode Hall, 1941
Artist: Nicholas Hornyansky, 1896-1965
Medium: Aquatints (prints)
Baldwin Collection of Canadiana, Toronto Public Library
Notes: Osgoode Hall, Queen St. W., north east corner University Ave., looking east. Toronto, Ontario
#1940s #art #printmaking #TorontoHistory #jeremyhopkin
Artist: Nicholas Hornyansky, 1896-1965
Medium: Aquatints (prints)
Baldwin Collection of Canadiana, Toronto Public Library
Notes: Osgoode Hall, Queen St. W., north east corner University Ave., looking east. Toronto, Ontario
#1940s #art #printmaking #TorontoHistory #jeremyhopkin
January 26, 2026 at 1:52 AM
Osgoode Hall, 1941
Artist: Nicholas Hornyansky, 1896-1965
Medium: Aquatints (prints)
Baldwin Collection of Canadiana, Toronto Public Library
Notes: Osgoode Hall, Queen St. W., north east corner University Ave., looking east. Toronto, Ontario
#1940s #art #printmaking #TorontoHistory #jeremyhopkin
Artist: Nicholas Hornyansky, 1896-1965
Medium: Aquatints (prints)
Baldwin Collection of Canadiana, Toronto Public Library
Notes: Osgoode Hall, Queen St. W., north east corner University Ave., looking east. Toronto, Ontario
#1940s #art #printmaking #TorontoHistory #jeremyhopkin
You'll be relieved to know that the plow driver
who hit a hydro pole remained on scene.
who hit a hydro pole remained on scene.
January 26, 2026 at 2:34 AM
You'll be relieved to know that the plow driver
who hit a hydro pole remained on scene.
who hit a hydro pole remained on scene.
Most of the problems with the Avenues Plan effectiveness were apparent and ignored almost from the start ... just like the problems with early attempts at streetcar rights of way on Spadina, Queens Quay and St. Clair. The new emphasis on some north-south 'Main Streets' should be more effective.
Considering how long Avenues policies have been with us, it's really remarkable how ineffective they've been at achieving midrise on the Avenues.
A colourful and interesting new map of building heights in Toronto, featuring 8 height ranges and using 2025 data from the City of Toronto. https://schoolofcities.github.io/toronto-buildings/heights-2025
January 25, 2026 at 6:13 PM
Most of the problems with the Avenues Plan effectiveness were apparent and ignored almost from the start ... just like the problems with early attempts at streetcar rights of way on Spadina, Queens Quay and St. Clair. The new emphasis on some north-south 'Main Streets' should be more effective.
Alstom and Ontario's government need to get their stories straight about Toronto's new subway trains. The province tells us it and the feds are upping their antes to $1B each, or 55 trains for $2.75B. lnkd.in/gKb6CT-w Alstom says it's now a 70-train order, but at the old $2.3B tab. lnkd.in/g6DNkcz5
January 22, 2026 at 1:50 PM
Alstom and Ontario's government need to get their stories straight about Toronto's new subway trains. The province tells us it and the feds are upping their antes to $1B each, or 55 trains for $2.75B. lnkd.in/gKb6CT-w Alstom says it's now a 70-train order, but at the old $2.3B tab. lnkd.in/g6DNkcz5
Not mentioned in this CTV Ottawa story (for some unfathomable reason) is the make and model of the vehicles in question: The Alstom Citadis Spirit light-rail vehicles were also Metrolinx's choice for Toronto's troubled Finch West line.
www.ctvnews.ca/ottawa/artic...
www.ctvnews.ca/ottawa/artic...
‘Some customers may have to wait for a second train’: OC Transpo reducing O-Train Line 1 service after identifying new issue with trains
OC Transpo will be temporarily reducing the number of train cars running on the O-Train Line 1 after an issue was identified with the vehicles, and the organization’s general manager says this may cau...
www.ctvnews.ca
January 22, 2026 at 3:40 AM
Not mentioned in this CTV Ottawa story (for some unfathomable reason) is the make and model of the vehicles in question: The Alstom Citadis Spirit light-rail vehicles were also Metrolinx's choice for Toronto's troubled Finch West line.
www.ctvnews.ca/ottawa/artic...
www.ctvnews.ca/ottawa/artic...