Redesigning the roads with necessary rules By Mike Layton There are changes coming to local road infrastructure that will be a big step towards improving safety for all road users in our neighbourhoods. These changes will bring a new bike lane on Brunswick to just south of the Annex, connecting to a larger cycling route […]

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Crusader lauded for her contributions This article is the second in a series about local residents making a difference in our community. These unsung heroes were brought to The Gleaner’s attention by MPP Jessica Bell, who honoured them at her Annual Community Celebration, in December of 2019. By Nicole Stoffman Susan Dexter loves a challenge, […]

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36 storeys and a re-think of a tired corner By Khyrsten Mieras Connectivity, diversity, and adaptability, these are the buzz words promoters are using to describe a proposed redevelopment of the northwest corner of Bloor and Spadina. Members of the development team presented the project’s updated design during a community meeting at Trinity St. Paul’s […]

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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 […]

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Despite the public outcry city staff have still not taken steps to address the concerns of residents about the neglect of Paul Martel Park located on Madison Avenue. City councillor for University-Rosedale Mike Layton has joined the chorus of those advocating for a solution, “I have made repeated requests to parks staff to have the […]

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Compromise found for new build on 300 Bloor St. W. church site By Ahmed Hagar A redesigned and more “slender” 29-storey tower looks to be the future for 300 Bloor Street, after a lengthy public process and, finally, an agreement between developers, city councilors, and residents. The tower will attach to the historic Bloor Street […]

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Expansion to add study space to face of library By Ingrid Philipp The Brutalist concrete façade of the original Robarts Library at the University of Toronto is renowned for its seemingly forbidding entry to any but the most serious scholar. While the topmost stacks have remained sacred ground to protect books and materials from casual […]

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Layton helps forge a compromise for cheesecake purveyor By Nabahat Hussain and Juan Romero  After a lengthy dispute with the Harbord Village Residents’ Association (HVRA), the recently opened “LeTao Sweets” bakery is up and running with tentative plans for a patio next summer. The bakery’s owner, Alex Lau, opened LeTao this past month at the north-west corner […]

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U of T School of Cities build to replace McLaughlin Planetarium By Ahmed Hagar The University of Toronto announced a new building project on 90 Queen’s Park Crescent to be named the Centre for Cities and Civilizations. The nine-storey building will provide a space for several departments in the Faculty of Arts and Science, such […]

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Councillor Mike Layton’s (Ward 19, Trinity-Spadina) eighth annual kick off to Bike Month returns May 27 from 12 to 5 p.m. at Christie Pits Park. Bike with Mike is a free, family-friendly community cycling event open to anyone who wants to participate. It will feature a free barbecue and many children’s events like bike decorating, […]

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Building diverse and sustainable cities By Mike Layton Our city is changing. In some Toronto neighbourhoods, the pace of change is difficult to manage, and even more difficult to get ahead of, because it is so rapid. Of growing concern is that the character of many communities can be overwhelmed by an influx of chain […]

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Dangerous summer for Toronto pedestrians and cyclists By Mike Layton Recent statistics from the Toronto Police Service show a disturbing trend — collisions between vehicles and pedestrians and cyclists are on the rise. Since June 1 of this year 542 pedestrians and 541 cyclists, a total of 1,083 people, have been hit by drivers (cars) […]

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