🇨🇦 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
Before, after and thanks. Sorry I had to nag.
@toronto.ca
@toronto.ca
December 8, 2025 at 3:38 AM
Before, after and thanks. Sorry I had to nag.
@toronto.ca
@toronto.ca
In case of fire or toxic smoke, make sure you read that little green sign before saying your prayers. #TTC #Coxwell #SecondExits
December 6, 2025 at 3:21 PM
In case of fire or toxic smoke, make sure you read that little green sign before saying your prayers. #TTC #Coxwell #SecondExits
Anybody else having difficulty getting used to radio and TV weather forecasts that refer to 'yellow snow warnings'?
December 4, 2025 at 8:26 PM
Anybody else having difficulty getting used to radio and TV weather forecasts that refer to 'yellow snow warnings'?
I nearly hit a guy on an e-bike tonight while turning left off Danforth in my car. It scared the hell out of both of us. BTW: He was dressed in black, had no lights and was going very fast.
As a regular city cyclist, I wish the cops would crack down on those who refuse to use lights after dark.
As a regular city cyclist, I wish the cops would crack down on those who refuse to use lights after dark.
December 4, 2025 at 3:55 AM
I nearly hit a guy on an e-bike tonight while turning left off Danforth in my car. It scared the hell out of both of us. BTW: He was dressed in black, had no lights and was going very fast.
As a regular city cyclist, I wish the cops would crack down on those who refuse to use lights after dark.
As a regular city cyclist, I wish the cops would crack down on those who refuse to use lights after dark.
In Ontario, politicians sought Hydrail studies because they didn't want to admit that poorly sequenced renovations to Toronto's Union Station were going to seriously complicate the seemingly simple electrification process needed for GO RER/Expansion. There's a silly heritage component to this too.
Remind me: why are we still talking about hydrogen?
SBCTA's hydrogen train was spotted this weekend being towed to LA for repairs, less than 3 months after it first entered service. How much use has it actually gotten? www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYT1...
December 2, 2025 at 2:00 PM
In Ontario, politicians sought Hydrail studies because they didn't want to admit that poorly sequenced renovations to Toronto's Union Station were going to seriously complicate the seemingly simple electrification process needed for GO RER/Expansion. There's a silly heritage component to this too.
For decades, @toronto.ca parks + rec staff used the summer every year to repair the nets at our wonderful and much-appreciated outdoor rinks. Then it was every other year. Then, well, it's hard to remember when these Monarch Park nets last got any attention. I'm sure staff have time to address this.
December 1, 2025 at 4:57 PM
For decades, @toronto.ca parks + rec staff used the summer every year to repair the nets at our wonderful and much-appreciated outdoor rinks. Then it was every other year. Then, well, it's hard to remember when these Monarch Park nets last got any attention. I'm sure staff have time to address this.
Best first-day ice at Monarch Park in the nearly 25 years I've been living nearby. Obviously the weather co-operated, but I'm sure lots of @toronto.ca parks and rec workers deserve some thanks too. So, thanks.
November 29, 2025 at 10:35 PM
Best first-day ice at Monarch Park in the nearly 25 years I've been living nearby. Obviously the weather co-operated, but I'm sure lots of @toronto.ca parks and rec workers deserve some thanks too. So, thanks.
I forgot to include the picture I referred to. Senior moment.
November 28, 2025 at 11:19 PM
I forgot to include the picture I referred to. Senior moment.
We are so lucky in Toronto to have a network of free outdoor ice rinks ... and they open for the season tomorrow.
This was Monarch Park this afternoon.
Kayaks and skating rinks are portals to zen.
@TorontoPFR
This was Monarch Park this afternoon.
Kayaks and skating rinks are portals to zen.
@TorontoPFR
November 28, 2025 at 10:31 PM
We are so lucky in Toronto to have a network of free outdoor ice rinks ... and they open for the season tomorrow.
This was Monarch Park this afternoon.
Kayaks and skating rinks are portals to zen.
@TorontoPFR
This was Monarch Park this afternoon.
Kayaks and skating rinks are portals to zen.
@TorontoPFR
Twice within seconds while I walked up Coxwell today, the Your Speed sign near Monarch Park Collegiate and Earl Haig PS, and not far past a now deactivated speed camera showed drivers were doing 70 in a 40 zone. It doesn't help that the lights at Hanson have been made much less pedestrian-friendly.
Right at the corner of Parkside and Howard Park.
No one with power was serious about protecting pedestrians here. There were years to fix Parkside Drive before Ford made it nearly impossible.
No one with power was serious about protecting pedestrians here. There were years to fix Parkside Drive before Ford made it nearly impossible.
Pedestrian struck by motorist on Parkside a block from the speed camera that vigilantes kept tearing down that caused ford to remove them from all Ontario. Drive as you wish Ontario. Nobody matters. This is what you voted for.
November 28, 2025 at 9:44 PM
Twice within seconds while I walked up Coxwell today, the Your Speed sign near Monarch Park Collegiate and Earl Haig PS, and not far past a now deactivated speed camera showed drivers were doing 70 in a 40 zone. It doesn't help that the lights at Hanson have been made much less pedestrian-friendly.
It's important to note that 5,000 people per square mile is not dense at all. There are European cities in the 35,000-to-40,000 range that don't feel crowded. Places where people actually like to be, rather than to pass through.
November 24, 2025 at 2:07 AM
It's important to note that 5,000 people per square mile is not dense at all. There are European cities in the 35,000-to-40,000 range that don't feel crowded. Places where people actually like to be, rather than to pass through.
November 19, 2025 at 3:58 AM
Reposted by 🇨🇦 Stephen Wickens 🇨🇦
100 years ago today: Unveiling ceremony of the Toronto Cenotaph.
youtube.com/shorts/iZaOU...
#remembranceday #war #sacrifice #cenotaph #memorial #TorontoHistory #toronto #canada #jeremyhopkin
youtube.com/shorts/iZaOU...
#remembranceday #war #sacrifice #cenotaph #memorial #TorontoHistory #toronto #canada #jeremyhopkin
Unveiling ceremony of the Toronto Cenotaph, November 11, 1925
YouTube video by Jeremy Hopkin
youtube.com
November 12, 2025 at 2:12 AM
100 years ago today: Unveiling ceremony of the Toronto Cenotaph.
youtube.com/shorts/iZaOU...
#remembranceday #war #sacrifice #cenotaph #memorial #TorontoHistory #toronto #canada #jeremyhopkin
youtube.com/shorts/iZaOU...
#remembranceday #war #sacrifice #cenotaph #memorial #TorontoHistory #toronto #canada #jeremyhopkin
I don't agree with all of Andrew Coyne's proposed fixes for our elections/party-funding mess, but he IDs the problems well in this The Globe column and in his book, 'The Crisis of Canadian Democracy'. If you care about Canada, you have reading homework to do.
www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti...
www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti...
Opinion: What we need in this country is less money in politics, not more
If the electoral ideal is to give equal voice to equal votes, why is Ontario proposing to further amplify the political causes of the wealthy?
www.theglobeandmail.com
October 31, 2025 at 3:18 PM
I don't agree with all of Andrew Coyne's proposed fixes for our elections/party-funding mess, but he IDs the problems well in this The Globe column and in his book, 'The Crisis of Canadian Democracy'. If you care about Canada, you have reading homework to do.
www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti...
www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti...
1. People who attended Balmy Beach PS in the 1960s and 70s can tell you just how crucial Mrs. Piton's Willow & Pine Groceteria was to the community. It was like an oasis, one block from the school and midway between Queen and Kingston Rd, which were far apart, for kid-length legs.
Rats! City push to get cafes, corner stores in heart of neighbourhoods fails again, as critics air pest, noise and enforcement fears
Rats! City push to get cafes, corner stores in heart of neighbourhoods fails again, as critics air pest, noise and enforcement fears
Toronto’s Planning and Housing committee on Thursday instead green-lit proposed changes only along major streets and to rules for home-based businesses.
www.thestar.com
October 31, 2025 at 3:12 PM
1. People who attended Balmy Beach PS in the 1960s and 70s can tell you just how crucial Mrs. Piton's Willow & Pine Groceteria was to the community. It was like an oasis, one block from the school and midway between Queen and Kingston Rd, which were far apart, for kid-length legs.
Reposted by 🇨🇦 Stephen Wickens 🇨🇦
Rats! City push to get cafes, corner stores in heart of neighbourhoods fails again, as critics air pest, noise and enforcement fears
Rats! City push to get cafes, corner stores in heart of neighbourhoods fails again, as critics air pest, noise and enforcement fears
Toronto’s Planning and Housing committee on Thursday instead green-lit proposed changes only along major streets and to rules for home-based businesses.
www.thestar.com
October 31, 2025 at 2:54 PM
Rats! City push to get cafes, corner stores in heart of neighbourhoods fails again, as critics air pest, noise and enforcement fears
Reposted by 🇨🇦 Stephen Wickens 🇨🇦
On this day in 1813, the Battle of Chateauguay was fought near present-day Ormstown, Quebec. A combined force of 1,530 British, Canadian and Mohawk repelled 2,600 Americans who were attempting to invade Lower Canada.
October 26, 2025 at 11:45 AM
On this day in 1813, the Battle of Chateauguay was fought near present-day Ormstown, Quebec. A combined force of 1,530 British, Canadian and Mohawk repelled 2,600 Americans who were attempting to invade Lower Canada.
Live free or wallow in abject poverty.
Wow—the federal minimum wage is so low in real terms that these days only ~1% of workers are paid at or below it, despite it still being the legal wage floor in many states
October 26, 2025 at 4:55 PM
Live free or wallow in abject poverty.
Need to ban them on the lower Humber River too.
✅ Toronto Council has unanimously passed Cllr Brad Bradford’s motion to restrict jet skis near eastern beaches — with support from Cllrs Morley & Kandavel (Humber Bay & Bluffers).
A win for swimmers, paddlers & wildlife — less noise, more happy.
📰 buff.ly/QDA4oKL
#JetSkiBan #TorontoBeaches
A win for swimmers, paddlers & wildlife — less noise, more happy.
📰 buff.ly/QDA4oKL
#JetSkiBan #TorontoBeaches
Toronto Council approves motion to ban jet skis and motorized watercraft 150 metres from Woodbine Beach shore – Beach Metro Community News
Jets skis are seen on the far west end of Woodbine Beach on Friday, July 18. Photo by Alan Shackleton. By ALAN SHACKLETON Toronto Council has approved a
buff.ly
August 10, 2025 at 8:53 PM
Need to ban them on the lower Humber River too.
Reposted by 🇨🇦 Stephen Wickens 🇨🇦
✅ Toronto Council has unanimously passed Cllr Brad Bradford’s motion to restrict jet skis near eastern beaches — with support from Cllrs Morley & Kandavel (Humber Bay & Bluffers).
A win for swimmers, paddlers & wildlife — less noise, more happy.
📰 buff.ly/QDA4oKL
#JetSkiBan #TorontoBeaches
A win for swimmers, paddlers & wildlife — less noise, more happy.
📰 buff.ly/QDA4oKL
#JetSkiBan #TorontoBeaches
Toronto Council approves motion to ban jet skis and motorized watercraft 150 metres from Woodbine Beach shore – Beach Metro Community News
Jets skis are seen on the far west end of Woodbine Beach on Friday, July 18. Photo by Alan Shackleton. By ALAN SHACKLETON Toronto Council has approved a
buff.ly
July 30, 2025 at 6:01 PM
✅ Toronto Council has unanimously passed Cllr Brad Bradford’s motion to restrict jet skis near eastern beaches — with support from Cllrs Morley & Kandavel (Humber Bay & Bluffers).
A win for swimmers, paddlers & wildlife — less noise, more happy.
📰 buff.ly/QDA4oKL
#JetSkiBan #TorontoBeaches
A win for swimmers, paddlers & wildlife — less noise, more happy.
📰 buff.ly/QDA4oKL
#JetSkiBan #TorontoBeaches
Hate to say I told you so, but ...
thestar.com/news/gta/met...
And I should add that this is only the tip of the Metrolinx iceberg, one that could be a threat to Ontario's credit ratings and the public's willingness to tolerate stuff going on under the cover of extreme secrecy.
thestar.com/news/gta/met...
And I should add that this is only the tip of the Metrolinx iceberg, one that could be a threat to Ontario's credit ratings and the public's willingness to tolerate stuff going on under the cover of extreme secrecy.
Metrolinx says Scarborough Subway Extension budget has doubled, offers little update on progress
New Metrolinx documents show the price tag for the Scarborough Subway Extension, projected to open in 2030, has soared to more than $10 billion.
thestar.com
June 25, 2025 at 3:44 PM
Hate to say I told you so, but ...
thestar.com/news/gta/met...
And I should add that this is only the tip of the Metrolinx iceberg, one that could be a threat to Ontario's credit ratings and the public's willingness to tolerate stuff going on under the cover of extreme secrecy.
thestar.com/news/gta/met...
And I should add that this is only the tip of the Metrolinx iceberg, one that could be a threat to Ontario's credit ratings and the public's willingness to tolerate stuff going on under the cover of extreme secrecy.
Train Daddy Byford is back in the Big Apple
gothamist.com/news/daddys-...
gothamist.com/news/daddys-...
Daddy's home: Andy Byford to make NYC return for Penn Station remake, White House says
The move puts the former head of NYC Transit in control of one of the country's most consequential construction projects.
gothamist.com
May 23, 2025 at 11:46 PM
Train Daddy Byford is back in the Big Apple
gothamist.com/news/daddys-...
gothamist.com/news/daddys-...
Usually, #Metrolinx floods our feeds with 'good news' PR/BS. But there's been silence about the apparent fact that the long-bogged-down Scarborough subway extension's TBM (Diggy Scardust) is finally moving again. I guess making an announcement would require admitting it's 2+ years behind schedule.
May 15, 2025 at 12:41 PM
Usually, #Metrolinx floods our feeds with 'good news' PR/BS. But there's been silence about the apparent fact that the long-bogged-down Scarborough subway extension's TBM (Diggy Scardust) is finally moving again. I guess making an announcement would require admitting it's 2+ years behind schedule.
The temperatures across north Africa and southwest Asia are alarming, and the fact they are not considered major mainstream news in North America is troubling.
🌡️EXTRAORDINARY EVENT
We are witnessing something unbelievable,BY FAR the most extreme event in world climatic history.
Several thousands of records are being brutalized from North Africa allover Asia with margins never seen before.
Middle East is approaching 50C
tbc
We are witnessing something unbelievable,BY FAR the most extreme event in world climatic history.
Several thousands of records are being brutalized from North Africa allover Asia with margins never seen before.
Middle East is approaching 50C
tbc
April 26, 2025 at 1:54 PM
The temperatures across north Africa and southwest Asia are alarming, and the fact they are not considered major mainstream news in North America is troubling.
If Rebel News and True North are to be granted standing at an official federal leaders' debate, we need to ensure that The Daily Worker (if it still exists) and the New Labour Press get to ask questions to provide some 'journalistic balance' from the far left. [email protected]
Listen, if Rebel News gets to ask questions, @thebeaverton.com should get to ask questions. Let me ask Pierre if he thinks my biological clock looks fertile enough. I'll wear a blazer and everything. Don't deny me my rights, you cowards www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
Right-wing outlets win legal battle to attend the leaders' debate | CBC News
Two right-wing media organizations have won a legal battle to obtain accreditation for their representatives to cover tonight's election debate.
www.cbc.ca
April 17, 2025 at 2:13 PM
If Rebel News and True North are to be granted standing at an official federal leaders' debate, we need to ensure that The Daily Worker (if it still exists) and the New Labour Press get to ask questions to provide some 'journalistic balance' from the far left. [email protected]