Toronto Mayor Rob Ford’s brother hopes he will ‘rethink’ Pride Week no-show

Following the most controversial cottage weekend ever taken by a Canadian politician, Rob Ford was expected to be back on the job Monday, rejuvenated by a few days away from Toronto to spend time with his family.

While a million or so gay-positive revellers lined downtown streets on Sunday afternoon as the culmination of a week of Pride celebrations, the mayor was in Muskoka. Speculation he would make a surprise cameo appearance at the parade was ultimately unfounded.

A reporter from the Toronto Star was dispatched to peep Ford at the cottage during those hours and failed to spot him, although other members of the clan were observed as they packed up cars at the end of the afternoon. The mayor, guessed his niece, was out shopping for groceries.

Still, the parade featured no shortage of visual references to the absentee Ford, who signed the Pride Week proclamation yet avoided the small flag-raising ceremony last week where it was read aloud.

Doug Ford, the city councillor who happens to be Rob's brother, had previously suggested he would at least try to make the parade, and maybe bring the mayor along.

After much criticism for the decision to stay at the cottage, including from the three preceding Toronto mayors, Doug told a Global News reporter on Monday morning he hopes Rob will "rethink" how he handles it next year and it's "not unreasonable" that he attend at least one event in 2012.

Whether he'd be welcome after not showing up during his first year in office is a different matter.

Likely on deck to help make sure it runs smoothly is Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke, who marched in the parade with the group Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians & Gays, in honour of his late son Brendan.

Ford met privately with Burke at the Air Canada Centre last week at the same time his proclamation was being read. No details about what they discussed were made public.

Based on speculation, though, the effect of their talk could be felt if the mayor decides to make his next Canada Day cottage weekend a few hours shorter.

(CP Photo)