November 2nd, 2020 · Comments Off on NEWS: Parking versus housing (Oct. 2020)
Kensington Market considers a change
By Mary An
Priorities are shifting in Kensington Market, according to a recent motion adopted by Toronto City Council that declares the parking lot at 25 Bellevue Ave. a surplus location that could be used to build affordable housing. Read more
As summer slowly comes to a close, it is important to reflect on the ways that our city has developed during these challenging times. Our response to the pandemic has uniquely highlighted that investing in public green spaces and active transportation infrastructure means a better quality of life for Torontonians. Read more
CIBC report says 30 per cent did not pay rent on April 1
By Nicole Stoffman
Who should take the biggest hit during the economic shutdown of the coronavirus pandemic: renters, landlords, or the big banks? How one answers that question depends on whether one believes in the power of the individual or the collective. Read more
This is a difficult moment in time for everyone. People across the continent are having to make substantial changes and sacrifices to their lives and routines in order to help keep them, their families, and others in their community safe. It is understandable to be confused, or feel anxious on a daily basis. People know they are facing a real threat, and that the choices they make have serious and immediate consequences. Read more
December 9th, 2019 · Comments Off on FORUM: Affordable housing is a growing crisis (Dec. 2019)
Inclusionary Zoning is the answer for responsible development in Toronto
By Mike Layton
Development in Toronto is continuing to boom. However, we are not building affordable housing at the same pace as we are luxury condominiums. Our waiting lists for affordable housing continue to grow and we are now above 100,000 names on the active waiting list. Last year we only managed to house people in 522 units, while 6,181 names were added to the list. Read more
Layton seeks a more “robust” approach to snow clearing
By Mike Layton
Before the weather goes below zero, and the fall rain turns into ice and snow, I thought I could take a moment to talk about a topic that will be top of mind for many Ward 11 residents in the coming months – snow removal. Read more
Since the province decided to cut Council in half, there has been a clear trend of decision making that aims to marginalize the City of Toronto and its residents’ voices on many critical issues. The trend continued this month as the province revealed details of their plan to try and steal our subway, and made life-and-death decisions about addiction treatment. Read more
December 30th, 2018 · Comments Off on NEWS: New approach to local democracy (Dec. 2018)
Newly-elected representatives say community is key
By Hannah Alberga
University-Rosedale’s newly-elected representatives plan to tackle their sprawling ward using a bottom-up approach. Some of the issues they’ll have to tackle include how to approach the recent handgun violence in Toronto, the affordable housing crises, and how the legalization of marijuana will affect public schools. Read more
December 30th, 2018 · Comments Off on FORUM: Moving forward in the new reality (Dec. 2018)
Our opportunity to reshape local democracy
By Mike Layton
Let me first take a moment to thank the residents of University-Rosedale who have put their trust and faith in me with their vote. I also want to thank the other candidates for bringing their ideas and issues forward during the campaign. Congratulations also go to Toronto District School Board Trustee Chris Moise for taking on the enormous challenge of managing the expectations of parents, students, teachers, and the administration for schools across two enormous wards. Read more
It’s a bit ironic that municipal elections attract the lowest voter turnouts. Ironic because decisions made at City Hall have a greater impact on your day-to-day life than those made in the legislature or in parliament. On any given day, Toronto City Council will consider garbage, snow removal, transit, zoning, parks…the list is endless. Yet it can be difficult for councillor candidates to attract attention, much less your vote.Read more