December 9th, 2019 · Comments Off on FORUM: Affordable housing is a growing crisis (Dec. 2019)
Inclusionary Zoning is the answer for responsible development in Toronto
By Mike Layton
Development in Toronto is continuing to boom. However, we are not building affordable housing at the same pace as we are luxury condominiums. Our waiting lists for affordable housing continue to grow and we are now above 100,000 names on the active waiting list. Last year we only managed to house people in 522 units, while 6,181 names were added to the list. Read more
October 17th, 2019 · Comments Off on CHATTER: Park still ignored by city (Oct. 2019)
Despite the public outcry city staff have still not taken steps to address the concerns of residents about the neglect of Paul Martel Park located on Madison Avenue. City councillor for University-Rosedale Mike Layton has joined the chorus of those advocating for a solution, “I have made repeated requests to parks staff to have the signage replaced and attend to the overall state of the park. With two retirements of parks managers within the south district, maintenance this year was a challenge as the positions were not permanently filled until the end of the summer. Now that both those positions have been filled, I’m confident the city will be better able to respond to requests from the community.” Read more
September 2nd, 2019 · Comments Off on NEWS: Plans for a “slender” building (August 2019)
Compromise found for new build on 300 Bloor St. W. church site
By Ahmed Hagar
A redesigned and more “slender” 29-storey tower looks to be the future for 300 Bloor Street, after a lengthy public process and, finally, an agreement between developers, city councilors, and residents. Read more
July 16th, 2019 · Comments Off on NEWS: Patio proposal moves ahead, tentatively (Summer 2019)
Layton helps forge a compromise for cheesecake purveyor
By Nabahat Hussain and Juan Romero
After a lengthy dispute with the Harbord Village Residents’ Association (HVRA), the recently opened “LeTao Sweets” bakery is up and running with tentative plans for a patio next summer. Read more
May 9th, 2018 · Comments Off on CHATTER: Kick off Bike Month by riding with Mike (May 2018)
Councillor Mike Layton’s (Ward 19, Trinity-Spadina) eighth annual kick off to Bike Month returns May 27 from 12 to 5 p.m. at Christie Pits Park.
Bike with Mike is a free, family-friendly community cycling event open to anyone who wants to participate. It will feature a free barbecue and many children’s events like bike decorating, bicycle-themed story telling, and tricycle races. There will also be free bike safety checks, tune-ups, and community cycling information. Read more
April 10th, 2017 · Comments Off on FORUM (APRIL 2017): San Francisco a model to follow
Building diverse and sustainable cities
By Mike Layton
Our city is changing. In some Toronto neighbourhoods, the pace of change is difficult to manage, and even more difficult to get ahead of, because it is so rapid. Read more
October 28th, 2016 · Comments Off on FORUM (OCTOBER 2016) We can do better:
Dangerous summer for Toronto pedestrians and cyclists
By Mike Layton
Recent statistics from the Toronto Police Service show a disturbing trend — collisions between vehicles and pedestrians and cyclists are on the rise. Read more
March 26th, 2012 · Comments Off on CSI Annex, residents look to solve dispute
MEETING CALLED TO MEDIATE CURRENT NOISE DISPUTE
The first floor of CSI Annex (720 Bathurst St.) is now a large-scale space for events, including this launch of Spacing's national magazine in mid-February. Perry King/Gleaner News.
March 16th, 2012 · Comments Off on Liberty Village 2.0
NEIGHBOURHOOD’S NEW RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION PROVIDES COLLECTIVE VOICE
By Sean Frankling
It has only been in the last decade or so that Liberty Village has been a residential area, but newly-built condominiums have brought a massive influx of people. They in turn have brought their views on how their new neighbourhood should be run. Read more