OTHER TORONTO FIXTURES THAT IGNITED DEBATE

Sam the Record Man sign The fate of the distinctive neon vinyl sign has been the subject of heated debate since the once-popular record shop closed in 2007.

In February 2016 Ryerson University issued a request asking for interested companies to bid on putting the landmark sign on top of a city-owned building in Yonge-Dundas Square.

Officials at the school told the Star at the time they are committed to it being restored and relit. The sign was designated as city heritage by council after the university purchased the old store’s location, leaving Ryerson responsible for preserving it.

But after it was tucked away in storage, the university said it did not fit with the design of their new Student Learning Centre.

Captain John’s The ship sat in the water at Queens Quay for 40 years before it was finally towed for scrap in May 2015.

Bought in 1975 from the Yugoslavian government by Captain John, also known as John Letnik, the M.S. Jadran became a restaurant in the 1980s. It was put up for sale for $1.5 million in 2009, following a tax dispute, but failed to net a buyer.

In 2012 it was shut down by the city, by then considered by some to be a floating eyesore.

Sugar Beach umbrellas The 36 permanent pink parasols, meant to keep people in the shade at Sugar Beach, caused an uproar when it was revealed they cost $11,565 each. Part of Waterfront Toronto’s renewal, they were placed beside two large rocks from Quebec that cost $530,000. Councillor Doug Ford said in July 2014 that they were evidence that the gravy train he perceived at city hall was still rolling, while Councillor Norm Kelly defended them, saying the umbrellas will show up in tourist photos and brochures of the city that will promote Toronto.

Brunswick House The Annex beer hall was considered an iconic part of Toronto, and a hotel has stood on the site since 1876. In recent years it’s been criticized as a source of loud late night fights. But when it closed last month, musicians and former customers came out in droves to the “Brunny” for an all-ages party and the very last of the last calls. The chair of the Harbord Village Residents’ Association told the Star that a Rexall pharmacy will likely move into the space.