In 2018, and during our last municipal election, Doug Ford’s Conservatives slashed the size of city council in half to 26. This created outsized wards that are too big to manage and a population that feels disconnected from elected representatives. Burned out councillors are also a symptom, and we’ve seen a few—Joe Cressy and Mike Layton, for example, just walked away. Voter turnout is down to 30 per cent of eligible voters casting ballots, and the province under Doug Ford continues to further erode the power and relevance of local government in Ontario.  Read more

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Our just “trust me” mayor has betrayed democracy

By Sue Dexter

“What I can’t support is change being rammed down our throats without a single second of public consultation.” John Tory after the province slashes council in half, 2018. 

“Trust me.” John Tory on receiving unprecedented minority rule powers, after no public consultation, 2022.  Read more

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Governance, climate, and road safety goals emerge as priorities

By Dianne Saxe

Thank you all for selecting me as your city councillor. I would like to thank the Gleaner for inviting me to regularly update residents on what is happening in Ward 11 and at city council.   Read more

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Razor thin win over Norm Di Pasquale 

By Brian Burchell

Dianne Saxe won with a margin of just 123 votes.  She replaces Mike Layton who chose not to run in order to spend more time with his young family. The Gleaner approached Councillor-elect Saxe and asked about her reflections on the campaign, the riding, and what University—Rosedale residents can expect.  Read more

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Gleaner writer visits the top three candidates on election night

By Marisa Kelly

I arrive at the Pilot Tavern at 8:00 pm on Monday, Oct. 24. The former Yonge Street club and jazz bar now resides in Yorkville. It’s now a restaurant venue offering live music, and there is a pride flag proudly in the window—this is a welcoming spot, and tonight it plays host to Robin Buxton Potts’ election party.   Read more

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Two unsuccessful candidates share their thoughts

Compiled by Brian Burchell

The Gleaner reached out to the top performing candidates to get their take on such a competitive race. 

What are your thoughts about the campaign and in particular the challenge of running against other “progressive” candidates?  Read more

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The Gleaner gets answers from prospects for Ward 11 seat

Compiled by Brian Burchell

In every election, the Gleaner asks local candidates a series of relevant questions about where they stand to allow the reader, and presumably the voter, to comparison shop. These are their answers. The election is Oct. 24.  Read more

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“Sign says you gotta have a membership card to get inside”

SEE MORE:  Read more

• EDITORIAL CARTOON: How Nice (Sept. 2022)
• EDITORIAL CARTOON: How Nice (Aug. 2022)
• EDITORIAL CARTOON: A chacun son principles (July 2022)
• EDITORIAL CARTOON: How Nice (Provincial Election 2022)
• EDITORIAL CARTOON: How Nice (May 2022)
• EDITORIAL CARTOON: How Nice (Spring 2022)
• EDITORIAL CARTOON: How Nice (Winter 2022)
• EDITORIAL CARTOON: How Nice (Jan. 2022)

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Outgoing Ward 11 representative proud of legacy

By Brian Burchell  Read more

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Community benefits support Indigenous art and design

By Carly Penrose  Read more

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After 12 years on city council, Mike Layton, representative for University-Rosedale’s Ward 11 will not seek another term. Given the systemic changes made to the city’s governance in recent years, it’s no surprise Layton’s made this call—but it’s a shame and a real loss to this community.  Read more

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Why is city council afraid of getting what the city needs to deliver services?

By Mike Layton

By the time this reaches your doorsteps, council will have completed our last legislative cycle before the election period begins, and the agenda is as busy as ever. Top of mind for me is continuing to work toward correcting the service deficiencies many residents have been noticing as the weather has warmed and people are engaging with our public spaces and services.  Read more

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The provincial PCs handily won another majority at Queen’s Park. The progressive parties split the vote and Doug Ford walked up the middle with his “get it done” message. It’s a simple and catchy phrase that Ford could utter authentically. A key plank in their plan is building Highway 413, but it appears that getting it done might not be so simple.  Read more

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