Torontonians looking to make a quick buck from the G20 are SOL
Downtown apartment dwellers trying to make a quick buck by renting out their space to G20 reporters are, apparently, wasting their time. International correspondents on expense accounts have found more interesting places to stay than room service–free flats proffered by Craigslisters (some for $750 per night, no less).
CBC’s G20 blog reports:
One woman wrote to me earlier asking if I knew of any forums—aside from the usual classified sites—where incoming journalists may be looking for accommodation.
Shana Cohen, one of my colleagues at CBC Toronto, has also contacted several people trying to rent their dwellings during the summit. Only one had success—and she was interviewed by both CBCNews.ca and the Toronto Star.
As one dejected respondent put it, after news of the high-priced rentals broke, “everyone who lives anywhere in or near downtown decided to see if they could make a quick buck.”
While the entrepreneurial spirit is commendable, this was clearly not the most well thought-out plan. That’s the genius of the free market at work: the invisible hand can still slap down a silly idea every once in a while.
