Ideas for Beaches-East York

Making the TTC a more attractive travel 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 can get where they are going on time.

With three streetcar routes in our ward, we must make them efficient and appealing so they are a viable alternative to getting downtown. This means more priority or dedicated lanes like the successful King Street pilot, upgrading track intersections, signal priority, improving infrastructure at intersections, and streamlining stop placement to reduce slow and inconsistent travel times while reducing bunching and short turns.

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

A TTC that is affordable for all promotes economic activity, enables recreation, connects us, and gets cars off streets. I would look to keep fares frozen, and am strongly in favour of measures like the fare capping set to come in in 2026 and further reduction of that cap limit in future years to save transit riders money and give them more freedom to navigate the city without worrying about upfront costs.

I will be unwavering in my advocacy 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 city 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 implementation of bike-return incentives, and more concierge services at major events so people feel confident using Bike Share to get where they need reliably. These can all help to make this valuable service truly ubiquitous in our city and an amazing option for trips of all types.

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 violate our laws brazenly is a reasonable step to change the culture that seems to be growing that reduces all our safety. I would also petition the province to let cyclists proceed with the pedestrian walk signal at intersections, as in Quebec, reducing conflict points and improving 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 used to 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 say in 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 police cruisers, help build positive, personal connections between law enforcment and residents. I would also support introducting 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 has 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 an even more substantial city-wide initiative to elimintate food waste, making it simple for business and logistically efficient to collect and distribute essentials to those in need.

When a landlord evicts a tenant due to a family member 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 nature 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 towards a fairer, more efficient system, one that better aligns our environmental goals, housing needs, and neighbourhood character.

Gentle density should fit the character of Beaches–East York while giving homeowners the ability 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. Additionally working towards simplifying and reducing the cost for small businesses who participate in CafeTO and similar programs 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. But this is also appropriate in many spaces downtown and I would continue to advocate for the idea.

Expanding the tree canopy, especially where it is thinnest, helps combat the Heat Island Effect. I want to promote and expand the Urban Forestry Grants, 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, 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 is personally invested in the city’s well-being.