Toronto Photography Meetup Group

I would drink Jessica Alba's bathwater...but not in a creepy way.

So sorry, you get fine anyway.

Wow!! As a new resident of Ontario (Burlington) from the USA this sounds so very American, and as such, very distressing. I lived in the most corrupt state in the US (New Jersey) and even THEY haven't tried THIS yet. It is partly because of ridiculous policies like this that I do not miss living in the US. It would appear that, indeed, "the more things change, the more they stay the same." More's the pity.

So sad.

Cheers,

Brian J.

Not related to photography per se, but here's an article today about the city cracking down on people gathering for other recreational events:

http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/771174--porter-city-crackdown-hits-park-pizza-nights?bn=1

Actually you got it right...that's the same mentality that's behind going after camera clubs (and other groups of more than 4) requiring them to get permits and insurance when having events in city parks.

To put it bluntly, Toronto is going after any club as a source of revenue now not knowing that they're doing more harm than good.

This is the email that's being sent out by the TCC (Toronto Camera Club) regarding their planned outing this weekend to Allan Gardens...it would be good for TPMG to do this as well as it effects this group as well:

Attention all TCC Members.

We are changing our plans for outing to Allan Gardens.The Toronto Parks has requested that we have to have a permit ($50.40 per hour) to photograph flowers in Allan Gardens on Sunday morning at 11.00 am.

Our club has been photographing flowers there for the last 100 years without a permit. Supposedly the permits allow the parks to control the masses so we don't have crowding.(11.00 am Sunday morning in February?? really)

If you wish to protest contact Janet Davis, Chair of the city's recreation committee councillor_davis@toronto.ca

Request a reply!!

Ideally amateur photographers shouldn't need a permit to photograph in city parks, which includes families, tourists, lovers, kids, and nature lovers.

Don't hesitate, we would like all members to participate. If the mailbox comes back full email again later.

I'm gonna email Janet to inquire more about this new permit that they plan to implement or have already implemented for non-profit/social groups.

Beat me to it! I wanted to post that. Seems like a big tax grab. This could kill many forms of volounteerism.

It is getting really ridiculous. I used to play sports in community centre clubs around the city but the user fees have been hiked so much that these programs are closing down completely. The government really needs to smarten up and reduce cost at the source, not in the community.

Get rid of councillor perks like free TTC passes for example. A lot of waste at City Hall that can be reduced before taxing the citizens of Toronto.

Given the past decisions by city hall, I wouldn't be surprised if they are so naive to some of the things that they are doing. I'm just glad I don't live in the 416 anymore.

Typical government bs, How do they determine whether your a group or not what if its just 5 people that happen to be in the same spot taking pictures? What if I'm at alan gardens by myself and 4 other people who I have no idea who they are show up and start taking photos? Then what? So stupid free will is going so far down the drain these days you cant do anything anymore.. Im hopping back in the Delorian and going back to the 70s

The U.S. is close to signing a bill that will result in tourists paying $10 to visit from Visa-waiver countries.

Stupid, stupid, stupid. It's not just City Hall. Nickeled and dimed to death.

http://www.cnn.com/2010/TRAVEL/02/26/tr ... tml?hpt=T2

I sure hope that everybody that is complaining about this is sending a letter or email to city hall. No point in complaining here if you're not going to complain to them.

Is this official? If not what are we complaining about.

The only reference I found on the City of Toronto site is regarding the permit for for profit activities.

I've yet to hear of similar problems here in Burlington. Yet. Then again once you've photographed Spencer Smith Park you're kinda out of interesting locations. Welcome to Burlington nonetheless!

I e-mailed Councillor Davis last week after receiving the e-mail from the TCC and this is the response I received today;

Dear Mr. Beauchamp,


Thank you for your email with respect to the Toronto Camera Club and your request to visit Allan Gardens on February 28, 2010 to take photographs for the personal use of your members.

There is no requirement for a permit or an associated fee for your organization for these purposes. Meaning, your members are able to take personal photos at the facility as long as they do not impede the access or enjoyment of anyone else at the conservatory and the number of people in your party is less than 25.

On February 25, 2010 staff from the General Manager's office of Parks, Forestry and Recreation contacted the representative from your club who was organizing your outing to provide this information. This was in follow up to a request from the organizer to the General Manager's Office on February 22, and further discussion of the specifics with her on February 23.

Generally, gatherings of more than 25 individuals in park space do require a permit. In addition, there are permit requirements and fees associated with wedding photography and photography for commercial purposes. In your case, however, as you number less than 25 and the photography is for personal purposes, no permit is required.

Please accept our apologies if there has been any confusion with respect to this matter. I trust this clarifies the situation and hope that you will indeed carry through with your plans to visit the conservatory at Allan Gardens and enjoy the opportunity to photograph the beautiful plants and flowers at this facility.

Sincerely,

Councillor Janet Davis
Ward 31, Beaches - East York
Phone: 416-392-4035
Fax: 416-397-9289
www.janetdavis.ca


So it looks like if the group is 25 people or less you won't need a permit for Allen Gardens.

--Mark

Can't wait to see what they do about flash mobs. . . .

Dave