🇨🇦 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
Torontonians, Ontarians:
We can't tolerate this shit any longer.
Unwarranted secrecy comes with a really high cost.
We can't tolerate this shit any longer.
Unwarranted secrecy comes with a really high cost.
“Preserve the relationship with Metrolinx”
You mean go into deep secrecy over things that really should be public.
You mean go into deep secrecy over things that really should be public.
Ughhh TTC board is being so dodgy on talking openly about signal priority
Matlow is pushing for transparency and they keep saying no we’ll talk about it “in camera” (closed private session)
They say it’s to “preserve their relationship with metrolinx”
See: @ 54:00
www.youtube.com/live/-5Xz9HS...
Matlow is pushing for transparency and they keep saying no we’ll talk about it “in camera” (closed private session)
They say it’s to “preserve their relationship with metrolinx”
See: @ 54:00
www.youtube.com/live/-5Xz9HS...
December 10, 2025 at 6:59 PM
Torontonians, Ontarians:
We can't tolerate this shit any longer.
Unwarranted secrecy comes with a really high cost.
We can't tolerate this shit any longer.
Unwarranted secrecy comes with a really high cost.
As some of us concluded more than 20 years ago, dedicated lanes on their own aren't enough. Far-side stops combined with no (or half-assed) signal priority at intersections are lethal enough to kill the worth of costly LRT projects. www.theglobeandmail.com/news/nationa...
December 10, 2025 at 2:36 PM
As some of us concluded more than 20 years ago, dedicated lanes on their own aren't enough. Far-side stops combined with no (or half-assed) signal priority at intersections are lethal enough to kill the worth of costly LRT projects. www.theglobeandmail.com/news/nationa...
Reposted by 🇨🇦 Stephen Wickens 🇨🇦
This is still posted on the Metrolinx website, though not easy to find.
December 9, 2025 at 5:44 PM
This is still posted on the Metrolinx website, though not easy to find.
And in some cases it's Billions of dollars with a B
So, apparently the TSP of the SRB Pie-IX is a real joke.
Canada loves to spend millions to build transit in dedicated RoW...and then waste all the advantage in non-existent signal priority.
Canada loves to spend millions to build transit in dedicated RoW...and then waste all the advantage in non-existent signal priority.
Oh my god. If I'm reading this correctly the TSP basically does nothing at all.
It seems the TSP only allows the green to be extended by 5 seconds. I really hope I'm misreading this. But it seems to indicate the green time for the bus phase (8) is minimum 82s (normal), maximum 87s (TSP)
It seems the TSP only allows the green to be extended by 5 seconds. I really hope I'm misreading this. But it seems to indicate the green time for the bus phase (8) is minimum 82s (normal), maximum 87s (TSP)
December 9, 2025 at 6:26 PM
And in some cases it's Billions of dollars with a B
More than 20 years ago (pre-social media), I was trolled heavily for writing this piece about the 510 Spadina streetcar for the Globe. Among the things that didn't make the cut for space was that the Bathurst 511 was more than 3 minutes faster Bloor to Front. www.theglobeandmail.com/news/nationa...
December 9, 2025 at 2:04 PM
More than 20 years ago (pre-social media), I was trolled heavily for writing this piece about the 510 Spadina streetcar for the Globe. Among the things that didn't make the cut for space was that the Bathurst 511 was more than 3 minutes faster Bloor to Front. www.theglobeandmail.com/news/nationa...
Reposted by 🇨🇦 Stephen Wickens 🇨🇦
So, apparently the TSP of the SRB Pie-IX is a real joke.
Canada loves to spend millions to build transit in dedicated RoW...and then waste all the advantage in non-existent signal priority.
Canada loves to spend millions to build transit in dedicated RoW...and then waste all the advantage in non-existent signal priority.
Oh my god. If I'm reading this correctly the TSP basically does nothing at all.
It seems the TSP only allows the green to be extended by 5 seconds. I really hope I'm misreading this. But it seems to indicate the green time for the bus phase (8) is minimum 82s (normal), maximum 87s (TSP)
It seems the TSP only allows the green to be extended by 5 seconds. I really hope I'm misreading this. But it seems to indicate the green time for the bus phase (8) is minimum 82s (normal), maximum 87s (TSP)
December 9, 2025 at 3:11 AM
So, apparently the TSP of the SRB Pie-IX is a real joke.
Canada loves to spend millions to build transit in dedicated RoW...and then waste all the advantage in non-existent signal priority.
Canada loves to spend millions to build transit in dedicated RoW...and then waste all the advantage in non-existent signal priority.
Juvenile? Sure!
But this one never really got old.
But this one never really got old.
December 8, 2025 at 1:58 PM
Juvenile? Sure!
But this one never really got old.
But this one never really got old.
Those who follow history call it 'Appease Prize'.
The kids are alredy calling it the 'Fecal Peace Prize' and I argree with them.
December 8, 2025 at 1:10 PM
Those who follow history call it 'Appease Prize'.
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.