Does a new naming rights policy mean Toronto has a revenue problem after all?

Mayor Rob Ford and his pals on the executive committee recently approved a policy for naming rights in the city, one that will have the government seeking corporate cash from those that want their brands stamped on a city asset. But if you’re worried that tomorrow you’ll be boarding the Go Train at Pizza Pizza Station, don’t be—there are provisions in place to protect significant sites like Union Station and city hall. (Of course, opponents still worry that this will lead to an influx of advertising in public space.) Regardless of the merit of the policy, it’s certainly indicative of this administration’s approach to generating revenue: think lower taxes (ideally, non-existent taxes) and more corporate involvement. And, of course, corporate involvement isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Now Magazine reports that even the usual lefty suspects on council didn’t reject the proposal outright. But we thought Toronto had a spending problem, not a revenue problem. Read the entire article [Now Magazine] »