SCARBOROUGH MIRROR | Thursday, July 14, 2016 |
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community
Why do disdainful, ‘elitist’ critics have such hate for Scarborough?
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I’m still trying to figure out what our crime is. Our mixed inherited landscape of silent cul-desacs, orderly wide streets, strip plaza businesses, tower neighbourhoods, and industrial zones? Pockets of great pastoral beauty next to useful, concrete bunkers of commerce? Having a blend of 625,000-plus people – humanity of all races, faiths, income levels, and life paths? Being home to those with many Scarborough stories to tell, after decades of living here; others who have recently landed, are settling in with their own intriguing stories of “back home” and why they left – and every voice in between? Is that what our disdainful critics find “wrong” about us as a community? Are these our offences? Please give your head a vigorous shake. Amidst the years-long madness that is the Scarborough subway-or-
helen stratigos gems of scarborough
not debate, I have heard rude, inaccurate, caricaturish things said about where I live. It’s blood curdling. I’ve had to argue with howling people that Scarborough is even within the 416 area code, that many of us are not “angry and entitled” drivers (what a cartoony generalization), but rely on the TTC everyday. That worthy, even interesting, communities exist beyond the 401. That we are smart. Our “accusers” are often gleeful, wrong, outdated… and yes, ‘elitist’. These are the same people who want to convince Scarborough they have our best interests, transit-wise, at heart. It’s easy to see why defences and resistance are up. Consequently, that doesn’t help constructive city-building. As Bruce Kidd, principal
of the University of Toronto at Scarborough campus wrote in a blog post: “The city/suburb polarization often takes on the nasty flavour of a culture war, which in turn shapes decisions about the allocation of infrastructure and resources. Scarborough… has been woefully underserved in terms of public investments.” So, my advice to the critics: Make your expertdriven case for the 24-stop LRT plan (and scrapping the billions-be-gone, one-stop subway scheme) respectfully, in a honeynot-vinegar manner - and more will be open to persuasion. Scarring and baggage from years of negative characterizations has created a bit of hardened mistrust, and unfortunately the Mayor Rob Ford years encouraged that.
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Helen Stratigos grew up in Scarborough and continues to make her home here. Her column will appear every second Thursday. She can be reached on Twitter: @ HelenStratigos1 or by email at helen. norva.stratigos71@gmail.com
Taxi industry skeptical of Uber insurance plan RAHUL GUPTA rgupta@insidetoronto.com
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A new insurance policy for UberX drivers is now on the books, but a group representing the taxi industry is skeptical it will satisfy the requirements of an upcoming City of Toronto bylaw. The approval of the policy, provided by Intact Insurance Company, was made possible by a regulatory change in the Ontario Insurance Act intended to fill the “gap” in coverage for both UberX drivers and passengers. With the new policy, coverage begins as soon as a ride is ordered until the passenger exits the automobile. When it goes into effect on July 15, the new bylaw, approved by Toronto Council in May, will require UberX drivers to register for a new Private Transportation Company (PTC) license, which will not be issued until proof of insurance is provided.
But, despite the fact drivers can provide evidence of the new coverage via an “electronic insurance card” viewable right from a smartphone, the Toronto Taxi Alliance (TTA) says it needs more assurance. “The fact is, no one – not the insurance companies, Ontario Government or Municipal Licensing and Standards will say how many drivers have purchased the new policy, if in fact any every have,” said TTA Executive Director Rita Smith in a statement. “This announcement simply provides more compelling proof that ML&S must demand ride-hailing drivers present their certificate of insurance when they register with the City, as the May 3rd Council Motion directed”. Smith was also dismissive Uber’s operations will be fully licensed by the time the bylaw is enacted, saying she had “absolutely no confidence” in the city’s ability to vet an estimated 20,000 drivers.
According to the bulletin issued by the Financial Services Commission of Ontario, (FSCO) the Intact policy will provide blanket coverage for all occupants of a private vehicle operating the UberX service, which includes $1 million in coverage as soon as an UberX driver activates the app, increasing to $2 million once the ride is ordered and accepted. Uber has said it covers liability up to $5 million for both drivers and passengers. All UberX passengers are assessed a flat $1.50 Booking Fee, previously known as the Safe Rides Fee, which according to the company supports “safety initiatives for riders and drivers as well as other operational costs”. Uber Canada spokesperson Susie Heath said the company had already purchased the new policy for its Ontario operations. “Every ridesharing driver in Ontario is now automatically covered by the commercial policy provided by Intact.”