Street furniture finalists on show at city hall

Torontonians got their first chance to see first-hand how their streets and sidewalks may change when models of proposed street furniture went on display at city hall Wednesday.

From bus shelters and benchesto trash cans, bike lockers and public toilets, Astral Media, Clear Channel and CBS Outdoor are vying to have their designs showcased throughout Canada's largest city.

The contract is believed to be worth at least $150 million, though full costs and other financial details will be revealed at the end of the month.

One of the three finalists will supply all street furniture, about 25,000 items, over the next 20 years in return for advertising rights on the fixtures. The winner will be announced April 30, followed by final approval by city council in May.

City streets currently featurea mish-mash of designs that have been described by some as ugly and outdated. With a unified design of street furniture, as is common in European cities, the city hopes to reduce clutter.

But criticsare callingthe street furniture just another way to litter the streets with advertisements.

"It's one of the largest privatization schemes in Toronto's history," said Jonathan Goldsbie of the Toronto Public Space Committee. "The councillors and the mayor, who are usually the first to speak out against any suggestions of privatization or contracting out, are the biggest proponents of this."

Some citizens viewing the models Wednesday wondered whether it's necessary to refurnish the city.

"There's a lot of things that have to be fixed in this city," said John Smith, who works in a downtown office. "Obviously, it should be beautified but I don't know if that's the biggest priority."

The models will alo be available for viewing at city hallfrom 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, then again from 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. April 10 and 11.