Archive for the ‘ SPI ’ Category

SPI#4: Now with more time

Posted on November 18th, 2022 – Be the first to comment

A month and a half between posts might seem excessive but hear me out! I could’ve just posted another static map image but I’m trying to push the envelope a little bit so I thought, “Why not a video?”

Unfortunately, adding a time component introduces a whole bunch of new complications. First I had to alter my code to produce output based on a temporal sequence rather than a single point in time. After that I had to figure out how to produce composite images so that I could add things like the time/date stamp. Then I had to figure out how to actually encode the video. Following that, the clunky user interface needed to be updated in order to accommodate the new features. Then I realized that the data didn’t include any duration information so I had to figure out how to extrapolate it. And then I had to run the extrapolation routine over the whole database which took weeks, no doubt owing to my weak SQL.

Anyways, I find the first product to be kinda soothing and hypnotic and leaves me thinking about what else I could do with it. So without further adieu here’s 24 hours of all C4S calls over Halloween, each call (red dot) growing larger in diameter the longer it remains active:

Filed under: Dispatches, Patrick Bay, SPI, Videos

SPI#3: Off the robbed and beaten path

Posted on September 6th, 2022 – Be the first to comment

September 2020 to September 2022

Most discerning travelers know that getting the full experience of a destination requires eschewing well-worn tourist routes.

And besides, who wants another boring guide about local eateries and “quirky” establishments? Haven’t you had your fill of “safe and friendly”? How about some real local flavour?

As you can see on the map above, Toronto is teeming with all sorts of engaging and exciting experiences, ranging from traditional holdups to fast drive-by snatches. You might even get to experience an authentic carjacking.

With an average of over 20 events reported per day you’re bound to find something to get your heart racing almost anywhere in the city!

In fact, for the extreme adventure travel enthusiast there are really only 4 areas to avoid (5 if you include the Toronto Islands).

1. West Hill / Port Union

While the north-west portion of West Hill offers excellent opportunities for thrill seekers, its southern boundary with the Port Union neighbourhood is to be avoided.

2. The Bridle Path

Nothing here but the secluded mansions of rich and famous people. Skip.

3. Downsview Airport

Maybe it’s the area’s historical association with the Canadian military but very little happens on the grounds of this airport. Nearby neighbourhoods are worth a visit.

4. Etobicoke

This western chunk of the city is the traditional home of the Fords but now that the brothers have have either left or are in the process of leaving, it seems that the type of crime that they might attract is evaporating. Perhaps everyone got day jobs.

Luckily, if you take a short bus ride in almost any direction you’re bound to increase your chances of finding a compelling encounter!

I hope you’ve found this post informative and that when you’re next in Toronto you consider visiting one of our city’s many colourful, independent business people!

P.S. Too much data to include at the end as usual. Contact me if interested.

Filed under: Dispatches, Patrick Bay, Pictures, SPI

SPI#2: Hazards, accidents, and leaks

Posted on August 18th, 2022 – Be the first to comment

Almost immediately after finishing the last post I began to wonder if maybe there might be a correlation between reports of explosions and similar incidents. For example, if there are many reported gas leaks in an area is there also an increase in the number of reported explosions?

… Continue Reading
Filed under: Patrick Bay, Pictures, SPI

SPI#1: Toronto’s blowing up!

Posted on August 15th, 2022 – Be the first to comment

On average, over 30 explosions are reported in Toronto every year.

That’s more than 2 explosions per month.

… Continue Reading
Filed under: Patrick Bay, Pictures, SPI

SPI#0: What two years gets you

Posted on August 14th, 2022 – Be the first to comment

In the early days of TCL I pictured myself huddled over a keyboard late into the night, pounding out some shocking exposé for my audience as the rain outside my window made the flickering lights of downtown dance, fierce lightning illuminating the skyline’s silhouette during the particularly hard-hitting sections. With persistence I would become a gritty urban citizen journalist (coder by day).

And it kinda worked.

I mean, Sarah and me did break the Rob Ford coke story well before it ever made headlines but other than that I mostly just took pictures, ranted, and occasionally covered interesting local events. Turns out that getting good intel is tough.

But then a few weeks ago I remembered that I’ve been quietly tracking certain city services’ dispatch data. On September 7th it’ll be exactly two years since I started. Astute readers may have caught an experiment I was running in the sidebar with this data. ** Spoiler Alert ** I decided to pull the plug on that and use it for this project instead.

There are a few gaps in the timeline because some data feeds went into holding patterns while the associated city services tinkered with their sites. The data is mostly complete but it’s safe to say that in some cases the total numbers will almost certainly be under-reported.

Still, initial search results are surprising, the kind of information I imagined I’d be blogging about back in 2009. At the outset it’s not exactly gumshoe work but I imagine that an intrepid citizen journalist could do something more with it.

If you find the SPI series interesting I encourage you to share anything you find here on your own site, social media, etc. I ask only that you do me a solid and include an attribution (see bottom of the sidebar for details).

Finally, since it may not be obvious the acronym SPI stands for “Sarah Patrick Investigations”. Or “Salt Pepper Info”. Or whatever works for you. I don’t think we need to get too hung up on it.

Filed under: Patrick Bay, SPI