Police Advice on Hazardous Chemical Leak on Wellington 124

It was a rough day on Wellington Road 124 today with the usual traffic concerns on the main route between Guelph and Cambridge, but even more concerning was a chemical spill from Flow Chem at 6986 Highway 124. According to the CBC, first responders were able to contain the spill, but the road is still closed and will be closed until all relevant agencies clear the scene.

BUDGET 2016: Other Points of Concern from Public Input

Many of the concerns on public feedback night in council's 2016 budget deliberations involved big ticket items: garbage pick-up, transit, taxes, but many people came out to speak to a variety of different issues. Whether it's fees, mobility, or funding for new and continuing projects there was a lot of insight into what city council should make a priority in the next year. 

PRESS RELEASE - Month-Long Wyndram Street Closure Begins Monday

A section of Wyndham Street between Carden and Fountain Streets will be closed off for a month starting Monday, and for once, the construction work involved has nothing to do with the railway bridge that's so often the subject of scorn involving tight-fitting transport trucks.

Beware Phone Scam Offering Gifts to Guelphites

They say there's no such thing as a free lunch, and neither is their such a things as a free gift from the city for helping them fill out a water quality survey. Officials are warning that if you should happen to get a call offering you a free gift from the city, then you're to be advised that giving them your home address for delivery is a very bad idea indeed. 

Next Time Follow the Signs When Trying to Drive Through a Movie Set

It's a pretty big week for the Ward, which is playing host to Hollywood star power in the form of James Franco. The prolific actor, producer and director is in the Guelph area shooting a miniseries based on a Stephen King novel, but in one of those truth is stranger than fiction stories, the fun and excitement of a big film shoot was interrupted by the kind of criminal idiocy that would be right at home on the long-running reality series, Cops.

Busker Busting in Cambridge

With the warm weather coming, seeing musicians out on the street with their guitars and instruments, playing along for whatever pocket money passersby may have are about to become a more frequent site. Good thing the police are on the job to stop folky covers of pop songs from interrupting people's day three-and-a-half minutes at a time.

SCOC Gives the Green Light for Red Light

Christmas came early for Canada's sex workers in a landmark ruling from the Supreme Court of Canada that paves the way for a very Dutch-like system of legalized prostitution. It's also a victory for all the social libertarians out there, and it re-inspires the belief that Canada is a haven of progressive ideals. Still, is this situation as entirely cut and dry as it seems? Are we just one short year away from red light districts in every major city, or is our current crime conscious Federal government going to put the kibosh on that idea?

The matter of law, for now, seems rather cut and dry. In a paradoxical fact of legal procedure, actual prostitution, that is to say accepting money in exchange for sex, wasn't illegal. What is, or rather was, illegal are activities associated with prostitution, meaning the operation of bordellos, support services for prostitutes like security and management, as well as communicating the fact that one is a prostitute and available to offer sex for money.

Guelph Politicast Extra - Today's Ford News

So it turns out that when he said he didn't, he did. Today's revelation by Mayor Rob Ford that he did indeed smoke crack though he can't remember the circumstances or the fact that somebody filmed it, came as something as a shock. But it was secondary to the revelation that Ford, having admitted his mistake (finally!), refused to step down, either permanently or temporarily, as a result of his drug use. Between the doings in Toronto and the pending vote to suspend three senators in Ottawa, it's hard to imagine a busier news day, and it seems like a great chance to engage in some of this newfangled rich media like podcasting.

Mayoral Meltdown - UPDATED with Video

I don't know about you guys, but I find this video startling. If you haven't been following, or are following,the story, nearly 500 pages of documents from a police investigation of Alexander 'Sandro' Lisi are being released today, and the information reported so far indicates that Toronto Mayor Rob Ford kept pretty close company with Lisi as he was going about his business dealign drugs. This probably came as no surprise to the mayor judging by his reaction to the media encamped in his driveway this morning.

Reefer Madness

We tend to be highly critical of our politicians, whether they actually gamble on landing on either side of a controversial issue, or just pass the buck with a typical act of rhetorical sleight of hand. While the second option opens up a politician to all kinds of accusations about tip-toeing and saying nothing in order to remain electable, the politician that actually picks a side does so knowing that he might honk off as much as 50 per cent of the electorate. And if  you're the leader of a major political party, the act of speaking your mind is even more daring.

So kudos to Justin Trudeau for coming out this past week in favour of the legalization of marijuana. The gamble's either going to be a big win for the young Trudeau, or he's just handed the Conservative spin machine enough ammo to sink him, and possibly the party.

Beware of Ice

That warning has probably come a little too late for those of you who have already ventured out into today's winter storm. Rest assured though that our local first responders are on the case, and that our civil servants in city hall are keeping an eye on the situation too. 

Radar Love?

Toronto Police Chief Bill Blair announced today that he was endorsing the idea of bringing back photo radar cameras for busy Toronto intersections. Call it a blast from the past, as the older amongst you may remember the year 1994 and the Bob Rae government's 11 month experiment with the technology, which, unbeknownst to them at the time, was one of the last straws the Ontario NDP levied on the back of the people of the province before being replaced by Mike Harris' PCs in 1995.

But in the here and now, Blair's justifications are squarely fiscal: with Toronto City Council unwilling to consider increased funding for policing in the 2013 budget, Blair says that placing the devices at key intersections will free up officers to perform other duties rather than standing on a street corner and issuing citations. It's a smart way to frame it considering that the photo radar experiment in the 90s was characterized by opponents as a blatant tax grab. And although some are ready to paint photo radar 2.0 in a similar light, there's another reason photo radar might be a good idea: drivers are crazy.

To Fordsie, With Love

Not even half way through his mandate and Toronto Mayor Rob Ford has enjoyed enough scandal for six mayors.

Just off the top of my head there's his ongoing row with the Toronto Star, which includes his nearly literal row with a Toronto Star reporter last May.

Then there's the bag ban that got passed as a snub to his attempt to repeal the five cent bag fee.

His attempts to bully his agendas on transit and cost cutting.

His brother's seemingly endless flubs, which included last summer's plans for the waterfront that no one but Doug seemed to know about.

Incidents behind the wheel including reading documents while driving 70 kph on the Gardiner, arguing with a transit worker after pulling along side a stopped streetcar and flipping the bird to a family when they called him on texting and driving.

Refusing to attend any Pride Week festivities.

His new year's weight loss campaign that resulted in hardly any weight loss.

Going to the hospital for a bad reaction to something he ate. And then making the Taste of the Danforth the first event he attends after being discharged. 

Calling 911 when accosted by a CBC comedienne and camera crew.

Calling 911 on Christmas Eve because of a domestic disturbance at home. 

And most recently, being brought to trial for violating the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act for using his City Hall stationary to raise over $3,100 for his private football foundation and then failing to recuse himself from a council vote demanding he return the money.

Of course most people would have thought that with the judge in recess trying to decide if Ford purposefully violated the intent of the MCOI Act, which if he did would mean that Ford is officially fired from his job as Toronto's Mayor, that Ford might take a break from shenanigans and keep his head down. And you'd be wrong.

Those Lousy Cyclists...

The police proudly completed a recent blitz of bicyclists over two days, August 14 and 16. They handed out 22 tickets and numerous warnings; tickets to people riding on the sidewalk and warnings to young people riding without helmets. Thank goodness the police are there to put the kibosh on this open rebellion of scofflawness, today kids are riding around without helmets, tomorrow they'll be joining gangs, selling drugs and packing heat.

So that's extreme. And while I would never advocate that kids ride helmetless, or that cyclists aren't supposed to follow the same rules of the road everyone else does, as a bike rider myself, I understand the root cause: the roads of Guelph are scary, and car drivers make it that way. Even side streets and bike lanes aren't necessarily oases, so I understand the compulsion to want to stay away from the traffic for the relative safety of the sidewalk. Again, I'm not saying that bike riders should be exempt from the rules of the road, but if I'm clipped by a cyclist then I'll probably just need a band aid, but if I'm hit by a car I'll need to go to the hospital. Or the funeral home.

Bath Salts Are Coming!

The primary ingredient to this past week's infamous face-eating/zombie attack affair in Florida has apparently made its way north. Specifically Canada. Specifically Guelph. At least according to the Guelph Mercury, bath salts are in the Royal City.

Apparently, and I did not know this, bath salts have already made a beach head in Canada in the Atlantic provinces. The drug, a combination of mephedrone and methylone called methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) that just so happens to look like Epsom salts, is not technically illegal in Canada, even though its two core ingredients are on the list of substances banned by the controlled drugs and substances act. 

Cannabis Club Director Wants Answers About Officer

It was a small item in Friday's Mercury, but an item nonetheless. Const. Chris Panylo, a six-year veteran of the Guelph Police Service was arrested and charged Thursday with theft under $5,000 and breach of trust. He was suspended with pay on July 22nd, and will appear in court on these charges at the end of October. 

The alleged theft took place following a drug case investigated by the police, so it's perhaps unsurprising that someone has quickly stepped forward to call Panylo's credibility on account. Below is a press release from Medical Cannabis Centre of Guelph director Rade Kovacevic, whose downtown business was raided last year by police. 

The Medical Cannabis Centre of Guelph Inc. (MCCG) is very concerned about the allegations that have been reported in the local media about a Guelph Police Constable being charged with theft and breach of trust. Const. Chris Panylo, a six-year veteran of the service, was charged after an investigation into an alleged theft of materials obtained by city police in a drug case.

"I am extremely troubled that there are allegations that a key police constable has committed criminal acts," said Rade Kovacevic, director of the MCCG. "Const. Panylo was very much involved in the allegations against three of my employees, and the allegations against Const. Panylo further raise questions about his credibility in regards to our case."

Three employees of the MCCG were arrested in May of 2010, following search warrants that Const. Panylo was an integral part of compiling surveillance information for. The charges are still before the courts and all three have plead not guilty.

"The MCCG is deeply concerned that over 300 patients have lost their access to medical cannabis that their physician has authorized based largely on information provided in writing by Const. Panylo, who's credibility is now in question due to his arrest and the accompanying allegations that have been made," Mr. Kovacevic explained. "This directly brings to question the legitimacy of their choice to arrest MCCG employees."

The Medical Cannabis Centre of Guelph Inc. (MCCG) was established in 2006. The MCCG is a medical cannabis resource centre and provides both support and information regarding the medicinal use of cannabis. The MCCG is a proud member of the Guelph Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Guelph Business Association, Ontario Chamber of Commerce, and the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.

Ironic Twist: Begging Bear Lives Up to Name

Out of commission since some scofflaws knocked him off his perch this past March, it was previously announced that the Begging Bear, a sculpture that stands on guard in front of the MacDonald Stewart Art Centre, would be back in October (or Octobear as observed wryly by the Mercury). Just one problem, and it's kind of ironic given the name of the sculpture and everything, a $6,800 difference on the repair bill not covered by insurance. 

The total cost of the repair will cash out to about $11,300 and insurance will only cover $4,500. A fundraising effort is now underway to collect the nearly $7,000 needed to complete repairs and restore the bear to its footing along Gordon Street. Why so much? Long, stainless steel pins that will attach the Begging Bear to a deeper concrete base, and thus, hopefully, preventing future drunken pranks.

"Share Your Care for Our Bear" donations can be made by cash, cheque or credit card at Mac-Stew, or you can mail in a donation, or make one by phone at 519-837-001. The police investigation is still ongoing, but if the perpetrators are caught, I think the logical thing would be to squeeze the cash out of them. 

They Stole Justin Bieber

It what was the epitome of a slow news day as the Guelph Mercury reported this morning, on the front page no less, that a life-size cardboard cut-out of Justin Bieber was swiped from the Shoppers Drug Mart on Scottsdale Drive. Inexplicably, the police were called and they are investigating.

I hate to think that this is what passes for high crime in the City of Guelph, a pair of hormonal girls in hoodies doing a grab and dash with a live-sized poster of a pop crooner. God only knows what they're doing with it. But now the Bieber cut-out joins the long, rich history of pop culture bric-a-brac that gets nicked by young people with sticky fingers. Life-size Taylor Lautner and Robert Pattinson cut-outs from a Twilight promotion were stolen from U.S. Burger Kings, and several Batman posters were taken from bus stops and the like in 1989.

I was at Stone Road Mall earlier, and you'll be glad to know that their Bieber is secure... for now. So watch your Biebers local merchants, the Bieber-swiping hoodie gang could strike again at any time. After all, there at least two of them, and they'll only be able to share one Bieber for so long.

Ed Video Equipment Stolen

Some gut-punching news from my second life as a member of Guelph's filmmaking community, but it seems as if some pretty valuable equipment belonging to Ed Video was recently stolen from one of its members while they had it rented out. Here's the release for the media arts centre:

Ed Video Media Arts Centre is disheartened to announce that equipment valued at $15,700 was stolen last night from an Ed Video member in Brampton. This equipment includes both our HD cameras and all our tripods. It literally cripples this charitable artist-run centre’s ability to produce media art and cuts off one of our critical revenue streams.

We are devastated. Ed Video does have insurance but will be facing a $1,000 deductible, which is difficult for a charity of this size to absorb. We are encouraging the public to keep their eyes open as our name is engraved on all the items and many also have silver stickers as well. Anyone with any information can reach us (519)836-9811. We don’t have the funds for a monetary reward for information but we can offer a life-time membership and other non-monetary awards. We would really like to get our equipment back.

The Protest After the Protest

There a lot of unanswered qustions lingering from last weekend's G20 Meeting in Toronto and the (near) fatal beatings that were administered there, and since Dalton McGuinty's cool with everything, I guess others have decided to take up the charge. This shouldn't be surprising given the fact that Guelph activists were arrested last weekend, but Guelph will join Edmonton in staging protests over police action during the G20.

To all print & electronic media

What: Family Friendly Rally and Testimonial Reading
When: Monday July 5th at 6pm
Where: Guelph City Hall
Why: For Civil Liberties and Democratic Rights!

June 25th-27th, Toronto saw a meeting of the leaders of 20 major countries in Toronto. They met at a time when the economies they manage are in a deep crisis, inflicted by their own policies. Their aim at the G8 and G20 summits was to hash out a plan to transfer the costs of this global crisis onto working people, while ignoring the growing environmental crisis.

This past weekend Toronto saw one of the most terrifying shows of police repression in Canadian history. The volume of reports - of attacks on protesters not even engaged in property destruction, on demonstrators seated in the ‘designated protest zone’, on journalists and passers-by; of threats of physical and sexual violence; and of actual physical and sexual assaults – does not suggest that in a massive sea of riot police, several officers, under severe stress, made mistakes or off-colour remarks. It suggests that orders were given to disregard our civil liberties and democratic rights.

The City of Guelph's resources also had a hand in the shameful events that unfolded last weekend. Guelph Police sent 13 Guelph officers to the G8-G20 Summit Integrated Security Unit as well as a canine team. Ten of those officers were involved in front line police duties.

30,000 demonstrated in Toronto during the G8 and G20 summits, refusing to accept the attacks on working people around the world. What we saw in response was an attempt to criminalize dissent and protest. This cannot be allowed. We will be gathering at City Hall on Monday, July 5th to speak out against attempts to silence those that exercise their democratic rights and to demand an independent public inquiry into police actions and into who ordered these abuses take place.

*** if you or someone you know were a victim of police brutality or have a testimonial to read on behalf of yourself or someone else please email: demandg20inquiry@gmail.com

*** crisis counseling will be available at the rally

For more information email or to contact organizers please email: demandg20inquiry@gmail.com