Located in the heart of Toronto, Ward 27 is rife with challenges and opportunities for residents and businesses, from traffic management and heritage preservation to economic development. With these significant matters in mind, the top three priorities for my second term are the following:
Firstly, I remain committed to continuing our collective park renaissance and revitalization from Chorley to Ramsden to Moorevale. Ward 27 boasts several renowned green spaces and a robust ravine system.
With increased intensification and demands for high-quality public space, it is crucial that communities and the city continue to collaborate on park improvements to foster healthier, livable neighbourhoods.
Secondly, the Yonge Street revitalization efforts I initiated in 2011 will take an enormous leap forward this year. Yonge Street between Davenport Road and the waterfront sees more than 42 million visitors a year. Bringing together more than a dozen resident associations and BIAs from across Wards 27 and 28, I am asking the question: How do we make Canada’s busiest street into the world’s premiere cultural destination and the most welcoming place for residents and visitors?
Finally, since Toronto is in the midst of an affordable housing crisis, we need to muster political will and strategic resources to eliminate homelessness in our city. In 10 years, the waiting list for housing in Ontario grew from 38,000 households to more than 165,000 households.
It is imperative that we make this a priority and work with other levels of government to address this issue in its entirety.