Gleaner

Serving Toronto's most liveable community with the Annex Gleaner

FORUM: Tackling the climate crisis at a city level (Dec. 2021)

December 17th, 2021 · Comments Off on FORUM: Tackling the climate crisis at a city level (Dec. 2021)

All levels of government must be engaged in a solution

By Mike Layton

[Read more →]

Tags: Annex · Opinion

CHATTER: Access to winterized washrooms set to improve (Fall 2021)

November 11th, 2021 · Comments Off on CHATTER: Access to winterized washrooms set to improve (Fall 2021)

In 2021, the City of Toronto opened up 79 new public washrooms for use throughout the winter, nearly doubling the previous number. This project was a direct response to pandemic restrictions which made access to public washrooms extra challenging, making life especially hard for vulnerable segments of the population.

[Read more →]

Tags: Annex · News

FORUM: Status quo streets unsustainable (Fall 2021)

November 11th, 2021 · Comments Off on FORUM: Status quo streets unsustainable (Fall 2021)

Government must be proactive to protect cyclists, pedestrians 

By Mike Layton

[Read more →]

Tags: Annex · Opinion

FORUM: Looking to the feds to save cities (Aug. 2021)

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 →]

Tags: Annex · Opinion

FORUM: Excessive force will not solve a housing crisis (July 2021)

August 16th, 2021 · Comments Off on FORUM: Excessive force will not solve a housing crisis (July 2021)

The violent eviction of homeless from parks is shameful

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. 

[Read more →]

Tags: Annex · Opinion

FORUM: It’s time to walk the walk (June 2021)

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 →]

Tags: Annex · Opinion

FOCUS: New park imbued with nostalgia (Apr. 2021)

May 12th, 2021 · Comments Off on FOCUS: New park imbued with nostalgia (Apr. 2021)

Interactive green space to accompany development at Bloor and Bathurst

COURTESY CITY OF TORONTO/WESTBANK CORP.

By Nabahat Hussain 

[Read more →]

Tags: Annex · News

FORUM: A victory for affordable housing in Kensington (Apr. 2021)

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 →]

Tags: Annex · Opinion

NEWS: Permanent pad for the Pits (Mar. 2021)

March 26th, 2021 · Comments Off on NEWS: Permanent pad for the Pits (Mar. 2021)

Layton leads the initiative to get skateboarding pad installed quickly

DIY skateboarding ramps and half-pipes in Sid Smith Rink are finding a new permanent home in Christie Pits. COURTESY MIGS BARTULA, CO-CHAIR OF THE TORONTO SKATEBOARDING COMMITTEE

By Mary An 

[Read more →]

Tags: Annex · News

FORUM: CaféTO and ActiveTO city programs coming back (Mar. 2021)

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 →]

Tags: Annex · Opinion

NEWS: A threat to the soul of the city? (Feb. 2021)

March 5th, 2021 · Comments Off on NEWS: A threat to the soul of the city? (Feb. 2021)

College/Bathurst development undermines a lively corner

A rendering of the planned development slated to occupy the SE corner of College and Bathurst streets has raised concerns. LUCA TATULLI/GLEANER NEWS

By Luca Tatulli

[Read more →]

Tags: Annex · News

FORUM: Defund police gains traction (Feb. 2021)

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 →]

Tags: Annex · Opinion

FORUM: Vigilance is key, though the vaccine is here (Jan. 2021)

January 27th, 2021 · 1 Comment

Many reasons for optimism for the year ahead

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.

[Read more →]

Tags: Annex · Opinion