More Toronto stupidity

[Warren Toda]

Do other municipalities do this:

As many folks may not realize, the City of Toronto bans, or at least tries to ban, photography in public parks and in/on any city property. This applies to anyone using a "big camera".

Toronto put out a press release today mentioning that city skating rinks will open this weekend. The release pointed out that, due to photography bans at public rinks/parks, news media must get prior approval before any photography is done. The city has designated just three rinks where photography will be allowed (with proper prior approval). Note that these public rinks are outdoors in public parks.

Once an approved photographer arrives at a rink, the rink operator will then warn the public that a photographer is in the area. The photographer is not allowed to do any type of close-up pictures of anyone without prior permission.

I'm not joking.

Another press release today was about the city's launch of its Christmas Holiday Celebrations Presented By Great Gulf Inc., builders of fine condominiums everywhere,  in the public square in front of city hall. Again, no news photography allowed without prior permission.

Yes, the city's politicians and bureaucrats are that bad.

[David Buzzard]

It's public space, so they can go stick it.

[Andy Clark]

and here is some similar Sydney Australia stupidity...

http://petapixel.com/2015/11/30/top-australian-photographer-fighting-for-rights-after-near-arrest-on-public-land/#more-19298

[Amber Bracken]

Sounds even worse than the US parks ban. Has it been challenged yet?

https://roadtrippers.com/stories/national-forest-service-will-soon-fine-photographs-1000-for-taking-pictures?lat=40.80972&lng=-96.67528&z=5

[Warren Toda]

Toronto seems to have backed down from its belief that its parks+rec staff can seize camera equipment. I noticed yesterday at an arena that the seizure signs have been removed.

[Dave Chan]

http://petapixel.com/2016/01/28/these-photos-got-me-kicked-off-a-beach-in-toronto/

[Warren Toda]

http://petapixel.com/2016/01/28/these-photos-got-me-kicked-off-a-beach-in-toronto/

That article is exactly what happens in Toronto parks. Stupid bylaws are enforced by idiotic parks and rec. employees who know nothing. This stupidity goes right to the top of the parks and rec. department.

Photograph a political candidate who's campaigning at a local park? The guy cutting the grass says you need a permit to take pictures.

Newspaper sends you to a marina where a kid just caught a giant fish? The guy cleaning the parking lot says you need a permit.

Have a family reunion picnic at a park with 32 family members and also do a few group pix? No problem. Have four photogs meet at a park for a photo walk? The guy drinking coffee in the city-owned pickup truck will threaten you.

Bring a gas-powered BBQ, a volleyball net and a dozen lawn chairs to a park? No problem. Bring a tripod? The guy watering the plants will harass you.

The idiots at parks and rec. and overzealous bylaw people just look at the size of your camera and what you're wearing (hint: never wear a photo vest or a suit).

I know folks outside of Toronto may not believe this but this is the way it's been for at least 20 years. A previous city commissioner thought a photo permit was always required for everyone. He even threatened to charge newspapers if a park photo was shot without a permit. Newspapers ignored him.



Edit: added a link.