Toronto reviews seniors' walking permits

TORONTO, Oct. 14 (UPI) -- The mayor of Toronto has called for a policy review after a group of senior citizens walking in a city park were told they needed a permit.

Mayor David Miller issued a statement Tuesday saying the bylaw governing organized groups using city property needed re-assessment, the Toronto Sun reported.

The issue arose Sept. 21 when 12 seniors walking through a park on the shores of Lake Ontario were stopped by a law enforcement officer. The walk was part of a warm-up to an hour-long exercise class at a nearby community center.

The officer asked to see an event permit and the group was uncooperative, the Sun said. He then began snapping photographs of the group and followed them to the community center where he also took photos of car license plates, the report said.

The city charges $30 for permits for organized events on municipal grounds to ensure organizers have insurance to reduce the city's liability.

Susan Eng, vice-president of advocacy with the Canadian Association of Retired Persons, told the Sun the officer's actions were out of line.

"I have never heard of such a thing ever in Canada," she said. "Is someone sitting in a cubicle trying to find ways to upset people? I couldn't think of a more hostile action to take."