Ideas in and around BEY

Making the TTC a more attractive option requires dependable service. I want to eliminate all slow zones, improve weather preparedness, and push for full or partial platform doors. I fully support RapidTO and will advocate for expanded priority for buses and streetcars so they arrive on time.

With three streetcar routes in our ward, we need to make them efficient and appealing as a real alternative for getting downtown. This means more priority or dedicated lanes like the successful King Street pilot, upgrading track intersections, signal priority, better infrastructure at intersections, and streamlining stop placement to reduce slow and inconsistent travel times while cutting down on bunching and short turns.

I support visible staffing and enforcement across the TTC network to create a culture, perception, and reality of safety throughout our public transit system. I also want better communication during disruptions so riders stay informed and safe.

An affordable TTC promotes economic activity, enables recreation, connects communities, and gets cars off streets. I would work to keep fares frozen and strongly support measures like the fare capping rolling out in 2026, with further reductions to that cap limit in future years. This saves transit riders money and gives them more freedom to navigate the city without worrying about upfront costs.

I will be unwavering in my support for a connected cycling network within Beaches–East York and citywide that lets people commute, shop, go to school, and simply enjoy the city. This means permanent, protected infrastructure, expansion where needed to create an interconnected network, and standing firm against provincial interference in the city's plans to make our streets safer.

Bike Share Toronto continues to grow year over year, and we should build on that success. I would push for faster expansion of stations and bike availability, quicker rollout of bike-return incentives, and more concierge services at major events so people feel confident using Bike Share reliably. These steps can help make this valuable service truly ubiquitous in our city and a great option for all kinds of trips.

In addition to infrastructure upgrades like bike-specific traffic signals, we need better rules and enforcement around e-bikes dominating bike lanes and sidewalks. The recent motion to confiscate e-bikes that brazenly violate our laws is a reasonable step to shift the culture that's developing and reducing everyone's safety. I would also petition the province to let cyclists proceed with the pedestrian walk signal at intersections, as in Quebec, which reduces conflict points and improves safety.

I will push for raised intersections and crossings in our neighbourhoods, especially near schools and community hubs, to slow drivers and make walking safer. Other proven design elements include curb extensions for better visibility and Dutch-style protected intersections where appropriate.

Streets should be designed to feel safe to drive at the posted speed. Techniques like tree-lined edges, slightly narrower lanes where appropriate, improved markings, and curb extensions all make driving more comfortable and walking safer.

I support the Park Washroom Enhancement Program to provide year-round restroom access. For a city that experiences winter, we need facilities that allow our parks to be fully enjoyed in all seasons.

The city's CPTED audits are important, and communities should have more input on park amenities and safety improvements. Encouraging more "Friends of ___ Park" groups can support upkeep, programming, and community engagement.

More foot and bike patrols, not just cruisers, help build positive, personal connections between law enforcement and residents. I would also support introducing UK-style Battenburg cruiser markings, which emphasize visibility and approachability rather than intimidation.

Installing TPL lending kiosks at subway stations and other high-traffic areas would promote reading, support public libraries, and bring character to our shared spaces. I would like to follow through with a trial of this fun idea that's already been implemented elsewhere in the world.

With food bank usage at record highs, we should empower organizations like Daily Bread and Second Harvest to partner with local businesses to reduce waste and support residents in need. This could build toward a more substantial city-wide initiative to eliminate food waste, making it simple for businesses and logistically efficient to collect and distribute essentials to those who need them.

When a landlord evicts a tenant because a family member is moving in (N12) or for renovations or conversion (N13), the city should publish a publicly accessible record. Greater transparency will help reduce abuse of these eviction rules and discourage landlords from re-renting units without following through on the required conditions.

A growing, densifying city can't rely solely on cookie-cutter one-bedroom units. I want to gradually expand the Growing Up Guidelines to encourage more family-sized homes, in line with the family-friendly character of Beaches–East York.

The city must continue clarifying development standards and simplifying the approvals process so builders can deliver high-quality spaces that benefit our community. With large-scale construction slowing, now is an ideal time to clear planning backlogs and work toward a fairer, more efficient system that better aligns our environmental goals, housing needs, and neighbourhood character.

Gentle density should fit the character of Beaches–East York while giving homeowners flexibility to improve their properties as they see fit. Helping bring existing "shadow suites" into the legal system and enabling the environmental retrofits that come with this kind of fine-grained development provides major community benefits.

Growth along major transit corridors is important, but it must not compromise neighbourhood character. I want clearer guidelines and stronger coordination with developers to protect small-scale storefronts. This includes narrower retail bay requirements, façade retention or style recreation, and exploring ways to keep our small businesses in upgraded spaces.

I want to work with BIAs, local organizers, and successful groups like the East Lynn Park Farmers' Market to make it easier to create recurring, low-impact community events. The City should actively empower neighbours to bring people together. I also support simplifying and reducing costs for small businesses who participate in CafeTO and similar programs, which helps both local business and residents.

Some areas of our ward have strong potential for partial or seasonal pedestrianization, creating lively destinations that support local business. Events like the Beaches Artisan Market could expand and draw more participants by using street space when appropriate. This approach also makes sense in many downtown areas, and I would continue to advocate for the idea.

Expanding the tree canopy, especially where it's thinnest, helps combat the Heat Island Effect. I want to promote and expand the Urban Forestry Grants and Incentives Program to subsidize tree planting on private property, and explore tax incentives for planting appropriate trees in canopy-deficient areas.

The city should gradually strengthen the Toronto Green Standard and provide better incentives for developers who voluntarily exceed baseline requirements, producing higher quality, lower maintenance, efficient, and desirable housing.

Although provincial rules currently block municipal voting reform, I would strongly support a shift to ranked-choice voting if permitted. This system leads to more representative and fair election outcomes for Toronto residents.

Everyone working for the City of Toronto should earn enough to live here. This supports better services, higher job satisfaction, and a workforce that's personally invested in the city's well-being.