Candidate for City Councillor

Michael Mitchell

Ward 14 Toronto-Danforth

Issue answers

What's the most important thing you'd act on as a City Councillor, and what experience or strengths would help you make it happen?

I've already talked about housing in an earlier question so I won't say it again. Next would be crime. Major crime numbers are up all over the City even if the murder rate is down. As a lawyer I understand that there is no single cause of crime and no single solution. However, a greater police presence would certainly provide greater deterrence.

Housing

Housing costs weigh on Torontonians whether they rent or own, access to subsidized housing is limited, and a growing number of people have no home at all. What would you prioritize on the next City Council to help people find and keep a secure place to live?

Increase the vacant homes tax. Increase funding for the MURA program. Acquire apartment buildings. Implement real rent control and stop renovictions. Implement the new regulatory framework for multi-tenant houses.

Cost of Living

The cost of daily life keeps climbing — housing, transit fares, city fees, etc. What is one thing you would prioritize on the next City Council to make Toronto more affordable, soon enough to matter to residents?

I would prioritize City-run grocery stores to make sure that people in need can get enough healthy food. I think Toronto should also research issuing food stamps to vulnerable people.

Safety in Public Spaces

Some Torontonians don't feel safe in parks, on transit, or on certain streets, even where reported crime is low. What would you prioritize on the next City Council to help people be and feel safe in the city's public spaces?

A greater police presence on the street and in parks and on the TTC. Better lighting on public streets.

Getting Around the City

Getting around the city is a source of frustration for many Torontonians, whether people drive, take transit, cycle, or walk. What would you prioritize on the next City Council to improve how people move around the city, however they travel?

Improvements to the TTC. I also favour a strong bike lane network especially in the downtown area where it is heavily used. Better snow clearance in the winter. Fixing infrastructure which breaks down during floods and storms.

Confronting Hateful and Hostile Behaviour

Many Torontonians are concerned about hateful and hostile behaviour, which can disproportionately affect newcomers and members of racialized, marginalized, and equity-deserving communities. What would you prioritize on the next City Council to respond and keep Toronto safe and welcoming for everyone?

Both young and older perpetrators of hate crimes need to understand there are serious consequences to face for hate speech. I'd favour a social media ban for people under 16. Kids are learning awful behaviours on social media, which then get brought into schools and onto the street, resulting in more hate speech and hostile behaviour toward marginalized communities.

Candidate Content Disclaimer

Candidates write their own responses and send them to the Know Your Vote T.O. project team at the Toronto Public Library. The team checks each response against the Content Inclusion Standards. It does not check whether what a candidate says is true, including what they say about other candidates. The views here belong to the candidate, not TPL. We encourage you to check claims for yourself. The Library does not check responses for AI use.