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.
By Mike Layton
The violence and tactics on display by the City of Toronto in Trinity Bellwoods Park, Alexandra Park and Lamport Park this month is a deeply troubling use of resources and force. The number of armed police present to forcefully remove handfuls of residents experiencing homelessness is disgraceful.
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.
By Nabahat Hussain
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.
By Mary An
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.
By Luca Tatulli
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.
By Mike Layton
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.
By Mike Layton
One of the most challenging years in recent memory is almost at an end, and I want to take this time to express my gratitude for the work of so many who saw us through. From our Medical Officer of Health and city staff, to local businesses, community groups and residents, it is clear that the majority of us want to work to overcome this pandemic, together.
By Tanya Ielyseieva
A plan to redo Joseph Burr Tyrrell Park (Dalton Road and Bloor St. West) is set to be completed by the end of next year, with construction scheduled to begin next summer.
According to the City of Toronto, over 60,000 cars, on average, are caught driving over the speed limit on Avenue Road every week. The sidewalks between Bloor Street West to St. Clair Avenue West do not meet the accessibility standards requiring a minimum width of 152.5 cm, and local groups want improvements to start immediately. With the support of councillors Mike Layton and Josh Matlow, they have requested the launch of a Pedestrian Safety Improvement Pilot Project that would replace a lane on both sides of the road with a temporary barrier.