David Cottrell

The Mayor and City Council

My priority would be restoring real representation and making City Hall more responsive to residents. My background in recruitment, business, management consulting and public service has taught me how to listen, assess problems, organize people and hold systems accountable. I would bring that practical experience to Council and focus on measurable results, clear communication and follow-through.

Housing

I would prioritize keeping people securely housed by protecting renters from unfair displacement, accelerating genuinely affordable and supportive housing, and making better use of existing housing stock. Toronto also needs faster approvals for projects that actually deliver affordability, not just more expensive units. Housing policy should focus on what people can afford, not simply how many units are built.

Cost of Living

I would prioritize reducing the everyday cost burden created by City Hall. Before asking residents to pay more through taxes, fares or fees, the City should review spending, eliminate waste and improve procurement and project delivery. Toronto is already expensive enough. Residents deserve a city that looks for savings internally first and delivers better value for the money they already pay.

Safety in Public Spaces

I would prioritize making parks, transit and streets feel safe through visible enforcement, faster responses to persistent disorder, better lighting and maintenance, and stronger coordination between the City, TTC, police and outreach services. Safety is not only about crime statistics. Residents should be able to use public spaces without regularly facing intimidation, open drug use or threatening behaviour.

Getting Around the City

I would prioritize reliability. Whether someone drives, takes transit, cycles or walks, Toronto needs better coordination of construction, faster repairs, safer intersections and more accountability for delays. On the TTC, residents are paying too much to accept unreliable service. The goal should be a transportation network that respects people’s time and gets them where they need to go predictably.

Confronting Hateful and Hostile Behaviour

I would prioritize consistent enforcement and equal protection. Harassment, intimidation, threats and hate should be addressed based on the conduct itself, regardless of who is responsible or what cause they claim to represent. Toronto should protect peaceful expression while drawing a clear line at behaviour that makes others fear for their safety. Everyone deserves to feel safe and welcome in this city.