Gleaner

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NEWS: Taking the pulse at campaign parties (Nov. 2022)

November 22nd, 2022 · Comments Off on NEWS: Taking the pulse at campaign parties (Nov. 2022)

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. 

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Tags: Annex · News

NEWS: Reflecting on the campaign (Nov. 2022)

November 22nd, 2022 · Comments Off on NEWS: Reflecting on the campaign (Nov. 2022)

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?

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Tags: Annex · News

CITY ELECTION 2022: Q & A with councillor candidates (Oct 2022)

October 19th, 2022 · Comments Off on CITY ELECTION 2022: Q & A with councillor candidates (Oct 2022)

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.

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Tags: Annex · News

EDITORIAL CARTOON: How Nice (Oct. 2022)

October 19th, 2022 · Comments Off on EDITORIAL CARTOON: How Nice (Oct. 2022)

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

SEE MORE:

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Tags: Annex · Editorial · Opinion

FOCUS: Layton reflects on three terms as city councillor (Sept. 2022)

September 27th, 2022 · Comments Off on FOCUS: Layton reflects on three terms as city councillor (Sept. 2022)

Outgoing Ward 11 representative proud of legacy

A pensive Mike Layton selects a different path as he chooses family over the gruelling life of a Toronto city councillor. COURTESY MIKE LAYTON

By Brian Burchell

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Tags: General

NEWS: Developer, community come together (Aug. 2022)

August 17th, 2022 · Comments Off on NEWS: Developer, community come together (Aug. 2022)

Community benefits support Indigenous art and design

An “urban living room” is proposed with public TTC access at Bloor and Spadina. COURTESY IBI GROUP

By Carly Penrose

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Tags: Annex · News

EDITORIAL: Farewell Mike (Aug. 2022)

August 17th, 2022 · Comments Off on EDITORIAL: Farewell Mike (Aug. 2022)

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.

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Tags: Annex · Editorial · Opinion

FORUM: Revenue, revenue, revenue and the lack thereof (Aug. 2022)

August 17th, 2022 · Comments Off on FORUM: Revenue, revenue, revenue and the lack thereof (Aug. 2022)

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.

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Tags: Annex · Opinion

EDITORIAL: Highway’s environmental impact worsens with every report (July 2022)

July 18th, 2022 · Comments Off on EDITORIAL: Highway’s environmental impact worsens with every report (July 2022)

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.

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Tags: Annex · Editorial · Opinion

FORUM: Improving our service standards takes resources (July 2022)

July 18th, 2022 · Comments Off on FORUM: Improving our service standards takes resources (July 2022)

Layton argues we can do better as a city

By Mike Layton

Toronto residents love to spend time outdoors, and as a city, we want to encourage people to do so by ensuring our parks provide the services they need. 

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Tags: Annex · Opinion

FORUM: Addressing homelessness and housing challenges in Toronto (Provincial Election 2022)

May 24th, 2022 · Comments Off on FORUM: Addressing homelessness and housing challenges in Toronto (Provincial Election 2022)

Province finally steps in with $27 million

By Mike Layton

On any given night in Toronto, close to 10,000 people are experiencing homelessness, and the provincial budget announced on April 28 did nothing to help the problem.

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Tags: Annex · Opinion

CHATTER: Annex Residents’ Association AGM covers pressing issues (May 2022)

May 17th, 2022 · Comments Off on CHATTER: Annex Residents’ Association AGM covers pressing issues (May 2022)

The ecological restoriation of Paul Martel Park (formerly Ecology Park) was one of the agenda items at the ARA’s AGM. The park is now home to a Bloor Annex BIA-sponsored mural created by First Nations artists led by local artist Joseph Sagaj. NEILAND BRISSENDEN/GLEANER NEWS

The Annex Residents’ Association (ARA) held their annual general meeting on April 21 via Zoom. Those in attendance included members of the ARA, residents and representatives from development teams, city council and Toronto Police Service. The most notable discussions were about improving safety on Avenue Road, the West Annex Heritage Project, vandalism at St. Alban’s Square and the restoration of Paul Martel Park. 

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Tags: Annex · News

FORUM: Build it and they will come (May 2022)

May 17th, 2022 · Comments Off on FORUM: Build it and they will come (May 2022)

Shaw Street, Toronto’s first street with more bikes than cars 

By Mike Layton

When we think of ways to improve Toronto’s cycling network, grand projects such as the bike lanes across the city’s core on Bloor Street or Danforth Avenue, typically come to mind. 

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Tags: Annex · Editorial · Opinion