Toronto Photography Meetup Group

TPMG.CA
It is currently Wed Oct 22, 2025 7:08 pm

All times are UTC - 5 hours [ DST ]




Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 49 posts ]  Go to page 1, 2  Next
Author Message
PostPosted: Sat Feb 20, 2010 11:00 pm 
Offline
TPMG SUPERSTAR
User avatar

Joined: Sat Sep 23, 2006 12:49 am
Posts: 2012
Location: Leaside
Has thanked: 0 time
Have thanks: 0 time
I always thought it funny when national parks in the States were charging tourists fees to take photographs in their park space; commercial photographers are one thing, but how do you tell a pro from an avid amateur who has the same high-end equipment? Well, that's not the story here, and the story is certainly not funny.

It seems the City of Toronto, with its lack of wisdom regarding user fees, is going after camera clubs who are out shooting in the city in a group of 4 or more photographers, and not only requiring them to have a $60 permit, but also insurance. If you don't have such a permit the City is FINING you.

If you think this is far fetched, a friend of mine was in a group of 9 seniors out photographing in the city (I don't know the location), and the POLICE came and asked them for their permit, being a large group of photographers. One of the group said to arrest them and the police just laughed. Unfortunately I don't have any more details if they were fined or just warned. Imagine what this could mean for TPMG!

At this point I don't have any evidence other than hearsay. This has already been brought to the attention of the Toronto Camera Club, and those of you who are members of GTCCC camera clubs will be hearing about it soon as this is also going to be forwarded to the GTCCC (Greater Toronto Council of Camera Clubs).

The Toronto Camera Club had an outing scheduled for Allan Gardens next week, but it's considering choosing a private garden centre out of the city because of this.


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Sat Feb 20, 2010 11:03 pm 
Offline
I'm on TPMG way too much
User avatar

Joined: Tue Feb 06, 2007 3:07 pm
Posts: 1378
Location: Toronto
Has thanked: 0 time
Have thanks: 0 time
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/vkhamphi/
Didn't they crack down on a group of seniors for exercising in a public park because they were in a group larger than 4 and no permit?


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Sat Feb 20, 2010 11:08 pm 
Offline
TPMG SUPERSTAR
User avatar

Joined: Sat Sep 23, 2006 12:49 am
Posts: 2012
Location: Leaside
Has thanked: 0 time
Have thanks: 0 time
As I said I'm posting this as hearsay, and I don't have all the facts...I believe they were just warned since the police laughed about it, probably because they were embarrassed having to go after a group of seniors and being fee collectors for the City.


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Sat Feb 20, 2010 11:39 pm 
Offline

Joined: Wed Jul 08, 2009 12:19 pm
Posts: 512
Has thanked: 0 time
Have thanks: 1 time
Ugh not again. Do we need a permit for the socials too? :lol:


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Sun Feb 21, 2010 2:03 am 
Offline
TPMG ADDICT

Joined: Mon Sep 25, 2006 5:07 pm
Posts: 1787
Has thanked: 0 time
Have thanks: 0 time
Soon a family of four go visiting a city park will need a permit or they will be arrested :D


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Sun Feb 21, 2010 2:54 am 
Offline
TPMG Moderator
User avatar

Joined: Thu May 11, 2006 3:50 pm
Posts: 8965
Location: Ajax
Has thanked: 3 times
Have thanks: 25 times
Flickr: www.flickr.com/lxdesign
This is currently what is posted on the official website:

Q: Do I need a permit to have my wedding or take wedding photographs in a park?
A: Permits are required for wedding photography and costs vary depending on the park and length of time requested. Marriage ceremonies are only permitted in the following parks: Edwards Gardens, Rosetta McClain Gardens, Guildwood Park (at Guild Inn), St. James Gardens, Sunnyside Pavilion, Allen Gardens Conservatory, and Centennial Gardens Conservatory. Very small ceremonies (40 max.) are permitted at the Music Garden but there is no parking at this location. Call our Parks Permit office at 416-392-8188 416-392-8188 for reservations and more detailed information.


so if they changed tthe rules, they failed to communicate it.


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Sun Feb 21, 2010 3:22 am 
Offline
TPMG SUPERSTAR
User avatar

Joined: Mon Dec 17, 2007 4:46 pm
Posts: 3168
Location: North York
Has thanked: 0 time
Have thanks: 2 times
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/thericyip
My response: "Me no English"


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Sun Feb 21, 2010 9:25 am 
Offline
I'm on TPMG way too much
User avatar

Joined: Tue Feb 06, 2007 3:07 pm
Posts: 1378
Location: Toronto
Has thanked: 0 time
Have thanks: 0 time
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/vkhamphi/
thericyip wrote:
My response: "Me no English"


No, Engrish.


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Sun Feb 21, 2010 9:27 am 
Offline
Official TPMG Contributor
User avatar

Joined: Thu May 04, 2006 4:18 pm
Posts: 4691
Has thanked: 3 times
Have thanks: 19 times
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/metrix_feet/
Sounds like an urban Myth police don't normally involve themselves in something so foolish that involves collecting fees for photographing unless they are very very stupid and mix up the meaning of the word filming as in movie with the word photography.


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Sun Feb 21, 2010 9:43 am 
Offline
I'm on TPMG way too much
User avatar

Joined: Sun Nov 23, 2008 7:33 pm
Posts: 1076
Location: Oakville
Has thanked: 1 time
Have thanks: 0 time
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/people/26908528@N04/
vkhamphi wrote:
Didn't they crack down on a group of seniors for exercising in a public park because they were in a group larger than 4 and no permit?


http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/709816--mayor-urges-flexibility-in-seniors-park-spat

Its not the actual police - its the bylaw officers...


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Sun Feb 21, 2010 9:56 am 
Offline
I'm on TPMG way too much

Joined: Fri Jul 25, 2008 9:08 pm
Posts: 1461
Has thanked: 0 time
Have thanks: 9 times
There was a story last year about a seniors fitness walking group being harassed by a city inspector for a permit to use city property for their activities. Here is a link to a Global story on the item.

http://www.globaltoronto.com/story.html?id=2100458

Note that the key seems to be profit. If you are running a photo workshop that use a public space for profit you need a permit. In the case of TPMG which is social meeting group and no money exchanges hands it may not apply.

DG


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Sun Feb 21, 2010 9:57 am 
Offline
TPMG SUPERSTAR
User avatar

Joined: Sat Sep 23, 2006 12:49 am
Posts: 2012
Location: Leaside
Has thanked: 0 time
Have thanks: 0 time
It's certainly something we had to watch out for when we went to the Island as a group a couple of years ago...we were told by the TPMG organizer of that event that we should pretend we just happen to come to the Island on our own that day, and were not part of a group or else we would have to pay for a permit.

If I didn't know the source of the story personally of being a trustworthy source, I wouldn't believe it myself. When I get more information I'll post it here.

We'll just have to wait and see.


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Sun Feb 21, 2010 10:15 am 
Offline
Official TPMG Contributor
User avatar

Joined: Thu May 04, 2006 4:18 pm
Posts: 4691
Has thanked: 3 times
Have thanks: 19 times
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/metrix_feet/
mikefellh wrote:
It's certainly something we had to watch out for when we went to the Island as a group a couple of years ago...we were told by the TPMG organizer of that event that we should pretend we just happen to come to the Island on our own that day, and were not part of a group or else we would have to pay for a permit.

If I didn't know the source of the story personally of being a trustworthy source, I wouldn't believe it myself. When I get more information I'll post it here.

We'll just have to wait and see.


Toronto Island is different they are mainly concerned about the picnic use of large groups without a permit. I did a model shoot over there and got full information about permits from the park's supervisor: non commercial shoots are OK but not where there are cottages.


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Sun Feb 21, 2010 10:15 am 
Offline
TPMG ADDICT
User avatar

Joined: Tue Aug 07, 2007 7:17 am
Posts: 1528
Location: Brampton, Ontario
Has thanked: 0 time
Have thanks: 0 time
It would certainly be in keeping with The City's current drive for income at any cost. Have have to wonder if they've paid attention to other large North American cities that have managed to kill their urban cores through similar tactics.


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Sun Feb 21, 2010 10:15 am 
Offline
User avatar

Joined: Sun May 03, 2009 4:42 am
Posts: 395
Location: Toronto
Has thanked: 0 time
Have thanks: 0 time
MikeES wrote:
vkhamphi wrote:
Didn't they crack down on a group of seniors for exercising in a public park because they were in a group larger than 4 and no permit?


http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/709816--mayor-urges-flexibility-in-seniors-park-spat

Its not the actual police - its the bylaw officers...



I think this is a key concept that has been overlookd:

Quote:
Under Municipal Code Chapter 608, Parks, anyone who holds events for profit such as a yoga class or boot camp in a park must pay the city $28.65 an hour (plus GST). Violating the bylaw means a ticket and potentially a $250 fine.


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Sun Feb 21, 2010 10:25 am 
Offline
Official TPMG Contributor
User avatar

Joined: Thu May 04, 2006 4:18 pm
Posts: 4691
Has thanked: 3 times
Have thanks: 19 times
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/metrix_feet/
mikefellh wrote:
It's certainly something we had to watch out for when we went to the Island as a group a couple of years ago...we were told by the TPMG organizer of that event that we should pretend we just happen to come to the Island on our own that day, and were not part of a group or else we would have to pay for a permit.

If I didn't know the source of the story personally of being a trustworthy source, I wouldn't believe it myself. When I get more information I'll post it here.

We'll just have to wait and see.


Toronto Island is different they are mainly concerned about the picnic use of large groups without a permit. I did a model shoot over there and got full information about permits from the park's supervisor: non commercial shoots are OK but not where there are cottages.


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
PostPosted: Sun Feb 21, 2010 6:07 pm 
mikefellh wrote:
It seems the City of Toronto, with its lack of wisdom regarding user fees, is going after camera clubs who are out shooting in the city in a group of 4 or more photographers, and not only requiring them to have a $60 permit, but also insurance. If you don't have such a permit the City is FINING you.


City of Toronto should look at their own books and figure out how to reduce internal cost before increasing existing user fees or creating new fees. Seems that a lot of the perks that council gets are still there... if operations were handled like a real business where cuts needed to be made before jacking up prices for consumers, all of the perks and such would have been gone a long time ago. And what else now, increase in property tax now?

User fees on social groups like TPMG is just wrong, if that is something that they want to impose. They should look at the permits for commercial stuff first before touching this one.


Top
  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Sun Feb 21, 2010 9:55 pm 
Offline
User avatar

Joined: Mon Apr 14, 2008 7:14 am
Posts: 926
Has thanked: 0 time
Have thanks: 0 time
The Brazilians that took over Labatt should take over the city, then all these wasteful areas of government would be straightened out with zero balanced budgets, all non business expenses abolished, pay for their own parking, vendor contract costs reduced and pushed out payment terms, and measurable results for initiatives with Six Sigma analysis on failed targets.

Then next, the school boards and all their wasted dollars -- and I'm not even talking about salaries.


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Sun Feb 21, 2010 10:27 pm 
Offline
TPMG SUPERSTAR
User avatar

Joined: Mon Dec 17, 2007 4:46 pm
Posts: 3168
Location: North York
Has thanked: 0 time
Have thanks: 2 times
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/thericyip
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5C-cqw2s00


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Mon Feb 22, 2010 11:27 pm 
Offline

Joined: Thu Aug 07, 2008 10:42 am
Posts: 133
Has thanked: 0 time
Have thanks: 0 time
I'm for Mississauga annexing Toronto. I wonder what that'd be like.

Mississauga Maple Leafs would magically no longer suck. Nor would the Mississauga Raptors, Argos or Blue Jays.


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Mon Feb 22, 2010 11:55 pm 
Offline
TPMG Administrator
User avatar

Joined: Wed Jan 27, 2010 5:26 pm
Posts: 3379
Location: Burlington
Has thanked: 0 time
Have thanks: 11 times
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/christopherbrian/
jim wrote:
I'm for Mississauga annexing Toronto. I wonder what that'd be like.

Mississauga Maple Leafs would magically no longer suck. Nor would the Mississauga Raptors, Argos or Blue Jays.


Possibly but getting to the games on time with all the red traffic lights would be near impossible.


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Mon Feb 22, 2010 11:57 pm 
Offline
TPMG ADDICT
User avatar

Joined: Tue Aug 07, 2007 7:17 am
Posts: 1528
Location: Brampton, Ontario
Has thanked: 0 time
Have thanks: 0 time
jim wrote:
I'm for Mississauga annexing Toronto. I wonder what that'd be like.

Mississauga Maple Leafs would magically no longer suck. Nor would the Mississauga Raptors, Argos or Blue Jays.


Well for one thing, you'd be paying property taxes based on actual value.


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Tue Feb 23, 2010 1:51 am 
Offline
User avatar

Joined: Sun May 03, 2009 4:42 am
Posts: 395
Location: Toronto
Has thanked: 0 time
Have thanks: 0 time
Rob MacLennan wrote:
Well for one thing, you'd be paying property taxes based on actual value.


be careful what you wish for.


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Tue Feb 23, 2010 12:56 pm 
Offline
I'm on TPMG way too much
User avatar

Joined: Tue Sep 01, 2009 11:35 pm
Posts: 1336
Location: Pickering
Has thanked: 0 time
Have thanks: 1 time
thericyip wrote:
My response: "Me no English"


Hahahah I've tried that, for some reason it never works for me lol


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Tue Feb 23, 2010 5:48 pm 
Offline
TPMG SUPERSTAR
User avatar

Joined: Wed Feb 18, 2009 5:24 pm
Posts: 3379
Location: Yonge-Davisvillish - T.O.
Has thanked: 0 time
Have thanks: 0 time
jim wrote:
I'm for Mississauga annexing Toronto. I wonder what that'd be like.

Uh, I HOPE it wouldn't be like er, um Mississauga. YIKES!! Strip malls, box stores. lovely cul de sacs, less than pulsating nightlife, few signs of what was once Canada's premier farming lands - all with long driving distances...with the era of cheap gas prices coming to an end, I think I'll pay user fees and live in one of the few livable North American downtown communities. :wink: But that's ME. To each their own.

Which brings me to my query. My sister lives in Mississauga and dislikes it. Maybe someone can verify this for me. She says it is only possible to buy Toronto tourist memorabilia in Square One and other Mississauga wondermalls, yet there is very little Mississauga tourist souvenirs. Is this true?


jim wrote:
Mississauga Maple Leafs would magically no longer suck.

Of course not, they'd relocate to St. Catherines like the Mississauga Ice Dogs did. :lol:


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Wed Feb 24, 2010 1:25 am 
Offline

Joined: Fri Feb 29, 2008 2:03 am
Posts: 165
Location: Toronto
Has thanked: 0 time
Have thanks: 0 time
"What Mr./Ms. By Law Officer" I have no idea who those people are, I was just strolling along and next thing I knew there was this group, and I was scared and did not know why they were following me. So I tried the old zig-zag move but yet they still were there, I thought maybe they were a roaming gang of Photography thugs so I was hard pressed to shoo them away. Thank god you showed up when you did, I see there are three of them. Now I hope I can go take my photos without them following me. Would be my response. :D


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
PostPosted: Wed Feb 24, 2010 6:32 am 
Offline
I'm on TPMG way too much

Joined: Thu May 18, 2006 5:01 am
Posts: 1237
Location: Willowdale
Has thanked: 0 time
Have thanks: 0 time
mikefellh wrote:
I always thought it funny when national parks in the States were charging tourists fees to take photographs in their park space; commercial photographers are one thing, but how do you tell a pro from an avid amateur who has the same high-end equipment? Well, that's not the story here, and the story is certainly not funny.

It seems the City of Toronto, with its lack of wisdom regarding user fees, is going after camera clubs who are out shooting in the city in a group of 4 or more photographers, .


I trust the tpmg organizers will divide all of us into groups of 3s then in any Toronto city events


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Wed Feb 24, 2010 10:13 am 
Offline
TPMG Moderator
User avatar

Joined: Mon Jan 15, 2007 3:52 am
Posts: 4022
Location: Newmarket
Has thanked: 0 time
Have thanks: 2 times
Flickr: http://goo.gl/RJbMu
From Google:

Club: a formal association of people with similar interests;


When it comes to the city, we're a facebook group, not a club.


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
PostPosted: Wed Feb 24, 2010 10:16 am 
danieltpmg wrote:
I trust the tpmg organizers will divide all of us into groups of 3s then in any Toronto city events


I was thinking more along the lines of 2.5 individuals and only 1 camera within each group.


Top
  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Wed Feb 24, 2010 4:10 pm 
Offline
TPMG SUPERSTAR
User avatar

Joined: Wed Feb 18, 2009 5:24 pm
Posts: 3379
Location: Yonge-Davisvillish - T.O.
Has thanked: 0 time
Have thanks: 0 time
Can't we just claim to be a horde of independent and unassociated paparazzi reacting to rumours that Leonardo Di Caprio/Jessica Alba is in town? and that s/he JUST passed by in an SUV. Maybe the officer will then quickly head off and do some celeb-spotting.


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 49 posts ]  Go to page 1, 2  Next

All times are UTC - 5 hours [ DST ]


Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 6 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum

Search for:
Jump to:  
cron
Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Group