Toronto councillors argue over splash pad, bike station

The bitterness and the rancour expressed during the transit funding debate at Toronto city council, continued on Friday as councillors debated a splash pad and a bike station.

There were shouts of outrage when Mayor Rob Ford said he wanted to step in at the last moment and change the Nathan Phillips Square revitalization project - turning the already renovated reflecting pool into a splash pad for kids.

Last year Ford saw something similar out front of Edmonton City Hall.

"What they have in Edmonton is almost exactly the same set up as we have here. There must have been 200-300 kids playing there," he said.

But his motion failed on a 16-16 tie vote.

Councillors opposed to Ford's motion said they weren't going to change the renovation plans that have been taking place.

The fight then moved to plans to build bike station equipped with showers below Nathan Phillips Square

"I think it's common sense to encourage people out of cars, and provide bike facilities where bikes won't get stolen," said Coun. Glenn DeB

But the mayor's brother Coun. Doug Ford said he didn't support the project, calling it "nothing more than a bathhouse."

He repeated the comments on the floor of council. "It's going to turn into bathhouse," he said.

That prompted Coun. Gord Perks to explain the significance to Ford.

"If the councillor doesn't understand his comment about the bathhouse was homophobic," said Perks.

The speaker asked for an apology - something Ford gave grudgingly.

"I withdraw my comment but I want to see what they say when something happens," Ford said.

In the end, council approved the bike stations with showers.