Maqsood Ahmad

The Mayor and City Council

My most important action would be to make housing more affordable for renters, homeowners and families. With 20 years in real estate and experience in construction, I understand the pressure people face from high rents, mortgage payments, utility bills and building costs. I would work to lower permit fees and delays for duplexes, triplexes, legal basement units and multi unit rentals. I would promote CMHC MLI Select for affordable rentals and seek more municipal land transfer tax relief for first time buyers with insured high ratio mortgages.

Housing

I would work to create safer and affordable homes for renters, families and seniors. I would work with City Council to lower permit fees for legal basement rental units, garden suites and affordable housing. I would support lower building charges for projects that include affordable homes. I would also work to control property tax increases and provide tax and utility bill help for seniors and people with low incomes. I would support first time homebuyers and promote the CMHC MLI Select program to help create more affordable rental homes.

Cost of Living

My priority is to make life affordable by lowering City controlled costs and supporting fair income. I would work with Council to control property tax increases and provide tax and utility bill help for seniors and people with low incomes. I would work with the TTC to find ways to lower transit costs to people save money on commute and reduce traffic on our streets. Note I would also stand up for thousands of ride share and delivery workers by seeking fair base pay and a fairer share of each fare, without increasing the price paid by customers

Safety in Public Spaces

Many residents feel that our streets, parks and transit areas are not as safe as they once were. As property taxes rise, residents deserve to see better safety services. I would support responsible investment in police services and make sure resources are directed to the places and times they are needed most. I would also prioritize better lighting, safer crossings, action on speeding and faster follow up on 311 reports. Better communication among residents, City staff, the TTC and police can help prevent problems and rebuild public confidence.

Getting Around the City

Traffic going in and out of downtown has become harder since part of the Gardiner and its ramps were removed. Drivers face delays near Jarvis Street. I would ask the City to review whether a highway connection can be restored or rebuilt. I would support the best long term option to reduce traffic, shorten travel times and improve safety. I would also work to lower TTC costs, review flexible use of reserved lanes outside rush hours where safe, and improve crossings, cycling safety and pickup and drop off areas for taxis and ride share vehicles.

Confronting Hateful and Hostile Behaviour

I truly love this city because people from around the world live here together. We can enjoy cultures, traditions and food, and learn from one another. Hate and discrimination have no place in our city. I would make it easier and safer to report hateful or threatening behaviour and receive a timely response. I would work with community and faith groups, newcomers, City staff and police to identify concerns early, support people who are targeted and prevent problems from becoming worse. Everyone should be treated with dignity and respect.