I’ll try but the dates are in the middle of a big move. If I can get all my ducks in a row, I’ll be there. But that’s a big if.
Should I make name tags? 
I tried, really I did. I was working that weekend but I agreed to work for two other people on the 4th of July so they’d cover for me when I went to Toronto.
Then my job switch came a month early. I had some small hope that I might still be able to pull it together at my new workplace but it’s not going to happen. So once again I have to send my regrets and withdraw my name from the list of attendees. In this case with even greater regret than before, because with my leaving the area I don’t know when or if I’ll be back in Toronto again.
(total random hijack) Ouch. Ouch. Ouch. I hurt. I did 3 straight hours of dance class yesterday. Ow ow ow ow…
And my room is still covered in bits of fabric. I’ve got to find the floor before I can stretch. (end total random hijack)
Okay, gang, so can we get a decision as to what we are doing and when we are doing it? I’m trying to coordinate with my Toronto friend.
And the strike is still going on. Joy?
Alright, why don’t we just take the plunge: we’ll meet at High Park at 1pm on Saturday at the High Park Blvd entrance (see Sunspace’s earlier post for directions. Perhaps Sunspace will be kind enough to get there a bit ahead and try and reserve a BBQ spot. I’ll make sure the posse of five gets there okay.
The rest of the schedule can go ahead as previously listed, so those of you who are going to join us later can find us.
OK I heard on the morning news that Ernie whatshisname is going to try and have the city workers legislated back to work, and hopefully within a couple of days. Will the stink clear up by then? Keep us updated.
I’m sure it will take a few days…but who knows.
<Fingers Crossed>
I haven’t noticed any difference in smell, but then again I haven’t been hanging around the transfer stations. It seems to be business as usual downtown, but with more litter. In other words, no overwhelming stench. Except on Bay Street, of course. 
Scott Evil, let’s just say that now is not the time to pee on Toronto as you proposed to do in another thread. 
The NDP have vowed to stretch out the debate, without which the workers would be back to work on Friday. They’re promising up to nine days of delay (I’ll be in Tokyo by then, anyway).
I swung by High Park today to check it out… the Unmowed Areas look normal; the Mowed Areas look a little shaggy. There was more litter than usual (Keele and Bloor is dismaying), but near the main entrance there were many mostly-empty garbage cans.
The snack stand was open, a little ways into the park… however, there was a sign: NO WASHROOMS OPEN AT ALL IN THE PARK. This may impinge upon our plans.
Another notice recommended that ‘large groups’ reserve picnic areas… but there was no indication of how large a group was intended. I presume that these are the picnic areas that include fire facilities. I saw no actual picnics taking place: are these permits handed out by the inside workers who are also on strike?
How many of us will there be? I can’t see that a group of people just walking in would be a problem. We could group up, then try one of the picnic areas further in. But we should bring cold food and plenty of water, and not count on having fire available.
Trin and I will probably only be there for the Saturday evening festivites.
(We have company coming from out of town on Monday and want to get our place ready for them, so we will be doing that on Saturday morning.)
Of course, the really difficult question is, what am I going to wear?!
Ooh, and can we chase Canada geese? I’ll be right behind someone else, so I don’t get bitten.
Then where do we pee?
IIRC it’s legal in Ontario to drink in a park as long as there’s also food being eaten (i.e. a picnic).
Which reminds me, Eonwe and I will be having our eagerly-awaited real life Friday Night DrunkDope®. Pictures will no doubt be taken, but not necessarily be made public… :eek:
Breaking news! Back to work legislation has been passed at Queen’s Park and striking employees go back to work tomorrow. Stay tuned.
[quote]
[ul][li] On Saturday, parks and public washrooms will open, with the exception of parks that were used for residential waste drop-off during the strike. Splash pads and golf courses will open, ferry service to the Islands will resume, drop-in programs at facilities will resume,and museums and cultural facilities will open.[/li]
[li] On Sunday, general use of sports fields will resume, permitted use of recreation centres and cultural facilities will resume, indoor pools (Toronto District School Board and city-operated) will be open for leisure swimming, wading pools will open and wedding photography permits will resume.[/li]
[li] On Monday, outdoor pools will open, permitted use of sports fields will resume, most summer camps will open, playgrounds will open and swimming lessons and aquatic programs will resume.[/ul][/li][/quote]
(from the Toronto Star; italics mine)
So… Islands or High Park?
I actually created a post earlier, but it the hamsters ran out of juice and it got lost. Despite the good news, I think High Park is still the better choice. As much as I’d prefer the Islands, I’m not confident that everything will be running tickedy-boo on the first day they open the ferries. There’s a lot less that can go wrong with the park.
Any disagreement?
As long as I can drink beer, I’m happy.