Toronto Media Coop has conducted part of an investigation into lobbyists who try to buy influence by donating to Toronto city councillor's election campaigns. Candidates in the current municipal election are not required to disclose their financial backers until March 2011, so the first part of the investigation looks at the current councillors and lobbyists who donated to them in the 2006 election. In April 2011, the second part of our investigation will be released.
PATTISON OUTDOOR ADVERTISINGTotal contribution: $6125Councillors contributed to: 18Major issues lobbies on: The rewriting of the Sign By-law, which regulates billboards, and outdoor sign approval.CLEAR CHANNEL OUTDOORTotal contribution: $5600Councillors contributed to: 12Major issues lobbies on: The rewriting of the Sign By-law, which regulates billboards, outdoor sign approval, street furniture, and authority to enter agreement with Astral Media Outdoor.GREATER TORONTO APARTMENT ASSOCIATIONTotal contribution: $5350Councillors contributed to: 11Issues lobbies on: policies regarding residential landlords, and the possibility of Toronto licensing apartments.TELUSTotal contribution: $7500Councillors contributed to: 10Issues lobbies on: City of Toronto Wireless Telecommunications Protocol.SUSSEX STRATEGY GROUP INCTotal contribution: $4000Councillors contributed to: 9Issues lobbies on: This lobbying firm had 72 different entries in the Lobbying Registry and worked on a variety of issues for many clients.TDL GROUP CORP TIM HORTONSTotal contribution: $7925Councillors contributed to: 11Issues lobbied on: In-store packaging report to reduce waste from stores, and Drive Thrus Zoning Bylaws.TRIBUTE COMMUNITIES (YORK) INCTotal contribution: $3000Councillors contributed to: 5Issues lobbies on: Planning at 2130 Bayview Ave. and 426 University Ave.DUNPAR DEVELOPMENTS INCTotal contribution: $3000Councillors contributed to: 4Issues lobbies on: Planning at 1145 Ossington Ave. and 51 Lakeshore Blvd., and OMB hearing on 4187 Dundas St. W. and 569-571 Price Edward Dr.