Odessa Paloma Parker

The Mayor and City Council

My Building Brand Toronto initiative aims to robustly develop our cultural assets to bolster our local economy and bring our talent to the world; this plan would be complementary to the drafting of a City Charter to secure municipal autonomy. We need to focus on defining Toronto's identity and values, and act on them. All types of housing should be accessible, financially approachable and inviting. Our streets and parks need TLC, and locally-made goods must be prioritized. Our citizens must all be cared for. Then, Toronto can truly flourish.

Housing

I would divert City-owned property and invest in different housing models including co-ops, and increase funding for our supportive housing system/wrap-around services to provide appropriate care. This includes attention to the design and operations of shelters so visitors feel safe and autonomous, and that workers are supported as well. We also needs to provide more access to culture-making. As a cultural journalist, I have seen the difference that investment in the arts and design makes for a city's identity and power.

Cost of Living

In my first 100 days, I will work to reallocate/raise funds to make the TTC more reliable and preferable to use, which will help support our local economy and allow for higher TTC marketing/comms budgets and ad rates. We will improve TTC service through changes to scheduling and streetlights; continued fare capping; more accessibility features; express East-West bus routes; free fare for seniors, students, youth; investment in platform-edge doors; "Care Crews" on subways/streetcars. Better transit also means people save on gas and parking fees.

Safety in Public Spaces

First, we must work to de-stigmatize our most marginalized citizens; the vulnerable must not be vilified. We must quickly and meaningfully address the root causes of crime and safety issues including lack of mental health support, and disappearance of third spaces/socialization skills in youth to deter them from violence. City Hall needs to lead by example and tell citizens that it’s not ok to photograph someone who is unhoused/in distress; and council must work with communities to support communal care. Plus I will add "Care Crews" on the TTC.

Getting Around the City

In addition to making transit a pleasure to use, we need to get parked cars off the roads to reduce congestion! This means identifying where parking structures can be built/expanded upon. And in my first 100 days, I will initiate the plan for a Streetscape Blitz to rehabilitate our roads and sidewalks; residents will enter a lottery to submit what they want fixed, and the top ten issues will be prioritized along with majors corridors and sidewalks in underserved areas of the city for better accessibility. I will also protect bike lanes.

Confronting Hateful and Hostile Behaviour

In my first 100 days, I will organize a monthly meeting between myself, every ward’s councillor, a member of the TPS, and a group of community “safety stakeholders” to discuss their respective concerns at public panel events. The spectrum of hateful, aggressive crimes ranges across Toronto, and they will have unique solutions. Being better connected to communities will improve accountability in making the city safe. I will also join the Toronto Police Service Board to ensure transparency and collaboration in our law enforcement measures.