Maria Voutsinas

The Mayor and City Council

The province and the city have often had an adversarial relationship. We need to repair that relationship so that we can get things done that are needed to improve the livability of the city such as investments in housing, public transit and bike lanes. In my years as Executive Director of the National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada I have worked with all levels of government to build consensus and advocate for my members. This experience has shown me how transparency and accountability will guide my work at Council

Housing

This is a complex problem that will require actions from all levels of government. I will work with provincial and federal governments to encourage their investment in housing for all affordability levels with a priority to build housing for low income residents to help them find safe long term housing. I will work with developers to identify and reduce barriers to their investment in new affordable building projects and work with City Council to reduce restrictive zoning laws that prohibit gentle increases in density.

Cost of Living

I would advocate for reduced fares for TTC for low income residents, which would support them while still working to have enough resources to manage TTC repairs and service improvements.

Safety in Public Spaces

Toronto is a safe city but residents need to feel safe. We can improve their quality of life by spreading the message that crime is lower but also by targeting improvements such as better lighting in parks, finding housing and treatment programs for the unhoused and funding programs for at risk youth. We should explore more community policing programs to build better relationships between police and the people they serve; and deter minor crimes like vandalism. We should continue the good work that has driven down crime in the city.

Getting Around the City

Congestion is a real problem in this city. If we improve public transit, we will take more cars off the road, reducing congestion and improving air quality. Offering safe bike lanes and pedestrian walkways that provide commuters with transit options other than cars will also take more cars off the roads. Fostering a livable community in Toronto Danforth will encourage residents to live, work and spend their leisure time in the Ward, thereby reducing congestion to the point that those who need to travel across town can easily.

Confronting Hateful and Hostile Behaviour

There should be no tolerance for hateful and hostile behaviour. There are laws against such behaviour and they should be enforced as the first step in changing the emerging culture of intolerance and polarization. Increases in community policing can deter that behaviour and help residents feel safe. The City SafeTO plan, which engages community groups for non-police solutions to community safety should be continued.