September 8th, 2021 · Comments Off on FORUM: Looking to the feds to save cities (Aug. 2021)
So many municipal issues require a national strategy
By Mike Layton
This federal election, the focus for cities must be on social justice and the recovery.
Cities are where the majority of the country’s population lives and for years, important programs to support residents such as child care, protecting the environment, and substantial investment into deeply affordable housing have been underfunded. Read more
July 15th, 2021 · Comments Off on CHATTER: Annex Residents’ Association holds virtual AGM (June 2021)
Over 40 people were in virtual attendance at the Annex Residents’ Association’s (ARA) Annual General Meeting on April 22. Because of the pandemic, it was the first AGM in two years, but participation was up thanks to Zoom. Read more
July 15th, 2021 · Comments Off on FORUM: It’s time to walk the walk (June 2021)
Action not just “reflection” is needed as more burial sites are found
By Mike Layton
The discovery of several burial sites of Indigenous children killed in residential schools across Canada must move our country and our governments beyond words of condolences and toward actions that advance truth, reconciliation, and justice. As flags are lowered across the country, and vigils and moments of silence are observed, we need to recognize that these symbolic measures are important, but not nearly enough. Read more
June 15th, 2021 · Comments Off on FORUM: Exclusionary planning must stop (May 2021)
The lack of affordable housing is the other crisis of our time
By Mike Layton
When asked to name the single biggest issue that is facing Torontonians, the most common answer is how hard it is to find affordable housing. Read more
May 12th, 2021 · Comments Off on FORUM: A victory for affordable housing in Kensington (Apr. 2021)
A model for protecting housing security
By Mike Layton
Homelessness in Toronto and our neighbours living in encampments have been top of mind for many of you throughout the pandemic. It continues to be clear that all levels of government need to do more to fund and create housing, and it needs to be done faster. Our ultimate goal must be to ensure we have housing for everyone and to provide support for those who need it so they can stay healthy. Read more
March 26th, 2021 · Comments Off on FORUM: CaféTO and ActiveTO city programs coming back (Mar. 2021)
Many reasons for optimism for the year ahead
By Mike Layton
The huge success of last year’s ActiveTO and CaféTO projects has shown that Torontonians are eager for safe opportunities to walk and bike around our city, and to patronize local establishments that have struggled over the last year. Locally, residents from across Ward 11 have seen the ways that inspiring actions taken in their neighbourhoods can significantly increase quality of life as we navigate through our recovery period. Read more
March 5th, 2021 · Comments Off on FORUM: Defund police gains traction (Feb. 2021)
Pilot projects underway to fashion a better approach
By Mike Layton
By voting to fund the Community Crisis Support Service pilot this month, city council took the first step towards systemic change in how we approach 911 emergency response calls. This five year pilot will create a mental health primary first responder team that will answer mental health crisis calls in key areas of our city. Read more
As we enter the new year, I know the majority of us are still having to make big sacrifices to keep each other safe and healthy, but I also believe there is positive change in the air and I am hopeful for the coming year. Read more