Gleaner

Serving Toronto's most liveable community with the Annex Gleaner

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)

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.

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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)

On January 20, Councillor Mike Layton (Ward 11, University-Rosedale) hosted a tumultuous online consultation for the proposed development at the corner of College and Bathurst streets. While the development has received significant press due to the fact that it will involve the destruction of the building that now houses Sneaky Dee’s, residents at the meeting seemed more concerned about how the new development will change the demographics of the neighbourhood.

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Tags: Annex · News

FORUM: Defund police gains traction (Feb. 2021)

March 5th, 2021 · Comments Off on FORUM: Defund police gains traction (Feb. 2021)

Re-investing money from police budgets into alternate forms of community safety are of paramount importance for our communities because the number of fatal interactions continue unabated.

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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 […]

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Tags: Annex · Opinion

FORUM: Find ways to support local businesses (Dec. 2020)

December 21st, 2020 · 1 Comment

Your support may prevent “ghost” towns on main streets By Mike Layton One of the most challenging years in recent memory is almost at an end, and I want to take this time to express my gratitude for the work of so many who saw us through. From our Medical Officer of Health and city […]

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Tags: Annex · Opinion

FORUM: City budget a real challenge but we can work together (Nov. 2020)

December 4th, 2020 · Comments Off on FORUM: City budget a real challenge but we can work together (Nov. 2020)

Impact on homeless is most acute By Mike Layton Winter is fast approaching, and with COVID-19 cases on the rise, we must prepare for how to support residents and small businesses through the next couple of months. The pandemic has highlighted the fact that not everyone is impacted equally, and that we need support from […]

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Tags: Annex · Columns · Opinion

NEWS: Parking versus housing (Oct. 2020)

November 2nd, 2020 · Comments Off on NEWS: Parking versus housing (Oct. 2020)

ANNEX GLEANER NEWS (Oct. 2020): Parking versus housing – Kensington Market considers a change

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Tags: Annex · News

FORUM: Making it green (Aug. 2020)

September 9th, 2020 · 1 Comment

Parks must grow with the city By Mike Layton  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 […]

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Tags: Annex · Columns · Opinion

FORUM: Finding positive outcomes (July 2020)

August 7th, 2020 · Comments Off on FORUM: Finding positive outcomes (July 2020)

Toronto has always been a place where people with vision have put in the work to build their communities, and my recent communications with residents have shown that our city’s passion for progress is only getting stronger.

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Tags: Annex · Opinion

NEWS: Keep Your Rent campaign emerges (Apr. 2020)

May 1st, 2020 · 3 Comments

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. […]

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Tags: Annex · News

FORUM: We will get through this together (Apr. 2020)

May 1st, 2020 · 5 Comments

Community resources are here for you By Mike Layton 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, […]

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Tags: Annex · Opinion

FORUM: Affordable housing is a growing crisis (Dec. 2019)

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 […]

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Tags: Annex · Columns · Opinion