Government must be proactive to protect cyclists, pedestrians 

By Mike Layton  Read more

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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

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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

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Sustainable and green neighbourhood also on the agenda

By Madeline Smart

After months of lockdowns, revitalization was at the top of the agenda for the Palmerston Area Residents Association’s (PARA) annual general meeting on June 2.   Read more

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Over 40 people were in virtual attendance at the Annex Residents’ Association’s (ARA) Annual General Meeting on April 22. Because of the pandemic, it was the first AGM in two years, but participation was up thanks to Zoom.   Read more

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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

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The lack of affordable housing is the other crisis of our time

By Mike Layton

When asked to name the single biggest issue that is facing Torontonians, the most common answer is how hard it is to find affordable housing.   Read more

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Interactive green space to accompany development at Bloor and Bathurst

By Nabahat Hussain   Read more

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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

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Layton leads the initiative to get skateboarding pad installed quickly

By Mary An   Read more

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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

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College/Bathurst development undermines a lively corner

By Luca Tatulli  Read more

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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

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