Morning Brew: Poll says Chow could win mayoral race, assessing average guy Rob Ford's finances (he's rich!), and the Gardiner might not be safe to drive in six years

A new poll from Forum Research suggests that Olivia Chow would win in Toronto's upcoming mayoral race should she decide to run. From the Sun, who were provided the poll exclusively: "In a four-way race... Chow would win with 39% while Ford would place second place with 34%. Stintz would receive the support of 17% of voters, while Soknacki could count on only securing 5% of the votes cast. Another 5% were undecided." Let's be honest, though. Early polls like this are almost useless.

In case you missed it on the weekend, The Globe took a look at the Ford family's finances in an effort to challenge the Mayor's oft repeated claim that he's just an average Joe. What dis they find? Well, that he's just your average millionaire. But we knew that already, didn't we?

In other Ford-related news, The Star takes gives an inside peek at the delicate nature of the police investigation into the Mayor, while the Posted Toronto Political Panel points out that Ford has even more time to devote to his campaign now that he's been stripped of his powers at city hall, and Councillor Michael Thompson claims the mayor's behaviour might be costing the city business. This gallery of editorial cartoons put together by Newsday last week is still worth a look if you're in the mood for something more lighthearted.

How do you solve a problem like the Gardiner? City engineers claim that the decaying expressway might not be safe to drive on in as little as the next six years. An environmental assessment due out early next year outlines four options for the ailing structure, from simple ongoing maintenance to outright replacement.

And finally, If you've ever wanted a thoroughgoing behind the scenes photo tour of the TTC's Hillcrest Yard (located near Bathurst and Davenport), check out this gallery from Reddit user torocan.

FROM THE WEEKEND:

• This Week in Theatre


• Toronto gets its first covered outdoor hockey rink


• Inaugural Gentlemen's Expo fashions the modern man


• New smokehouse takes inspiration from Aziz Ansari


• The top 10 walk-in clinics in Toronto


• 5 bars to watch the Grey Cup at in Toronto


• The top 5 tiki bars in Toronto


• 15 looks from the John Varvatos party at the Thompson


• That time Toronto hid a flying saucer


• Is this the most diverse grocery store in Toronto?

Image: Jack Landau/blogTO Flickr pool.

by Derek Flack via blogTO