Miller Might Want To Get His Priorities Straight

Spends an extra 100 million for jobs in Thunder Bay but opposes expansion of island arport which would create more jobs in Toronto. Opposes hiring more police officers even though we still have shootings on a daily basis. Refuses to consider incineration but has no problem shipping Toronto's garbage to an other community. City is going further and further in debt but he refuses to consider contracting out services. But what is his priority-beautify the waterfront.

Two men shot at Scarborough Town Centre

CTV.ca News Staff

Two men were shot at an east end shopping mall Wednesday night.

One of the victims was shot in the upper level of the Scarborough Town Centre, at Highway 401 and McCowan Road, and the other was struck while in the lower level.

One of the victims was reportedly shot in the chest, and the other in the abdomen.

The shootings took place shortly after 6 p.m. near the Sears store.

Both men were taken to hospital, but their conditions were not immediately known.

Their ages or identities have not yet been released.

Police are currently at the scene. They have shut down several areas of the mall.

No other details are available.

Miller promises to complete waterfront projects

CTV.ca News Staff

Toronto Mayor David Miller vowed Wednesday to complete the public spaces planned for the waterfront by 2010, and continued voicing his objections for expansion at Toronto Island Airport.

Miller, who places waterfront revitalization at the centerpiece of his campaign platform, said he has begun several redevelopment projects since being elected in 2003, including a new soccer studio, a dragonboat water course and a film studio and media complex.

Miller also said the HtO park, dubbed Toronto's first urban beach, is almost complete. Work on that project began in 2005.

Miller's plan for a "clean, green and beautiful waterfront" over the next four years includes:

• Completion of 750 acres of new parks from Scarborough to Etobicoke;
• The construction of bike trails and lakefront promenades;
• Reducing the amount of pollution flowing into Lake Ontario, thus making beaches safer and swimmable;
• Creating vibrant waterfront communities featuring residential, recreational and research facilities; and
• Clean polluted lands, reduce energy consumption, construct green buildings and improve air quality.

During his term, Miller said he has worked to reclaim the waterfront which was an industrial wasteland caught in a bitter intergovernmental squabble.

"I am proud that as mayor I have forged secure partnerships with other levels of government to ensure stable long-term funding commitments for Toronto's waterfront," he said.

While announcing his platform, Miller told supporters and the media he strongly opposes growth at the island airport.

He attacked the Toronto Port Authority, calling it as "rogue agency" that is not accountable.

"Today, I urge the federal government to disband the port authority and transfer its responsibilities to the city so that Torontonians have the authority necessary to pursue our vision of a wonderful waterfront," he said.

Miller is outraged with Porter Airlines, which was created earlier this year by Robert Deluce. The company plans daily flights from the island airport starting Oct. 23.

Miller said noise pollution and increased traffic is not in line with his vision for a beautified waterfront. He also says residents don't support expansion.

Miller campaigned in 2003 to stop the building of a bridge to the island airport, and led council to reverse its previous support for the structure soon after his election win.

Miller on Wednesday said the "waterfront is for people, not planes."

"For too long, Toronto's waterfront has been neglected, and that is why one of my priorities as mayor is to reclaim and revitalize this natural resource," Miller pledged.

He has, however, been criticized over inaction on the waterfront during his rookie term, including from his two main mayoral contenders, councillor Jane Pitfield and Stephen LeDrew.