Rachel Chernos Lin

The Mayor and City Council

The #1 issue I hear about at the door is congestion. It costs residents time, and costs our City more than $40B annually in lost economic productivity. The solutions are multifaceted. While there will always be a need for cars, we need to encourage the use of all modes of transportation and build complete, walkable communities. I believe the City must adopt a“build from the inside out” approach to development to keep construction off our roads. Major cities like Tokyo and NYC successfully use this model - Toronto should do the same.

Housing

Toronto needs housing of all kinds to meet resident’s diverse needs - that includes co-op and affordable housing. The City plays a key role in delivering that housing, especially in a slowing market, alongside developers in the private sector. Just as critical is the need to invest in people. People experiencing homelessness or struggling to keep up with housing costs should have access to supports that will give them a solid foundation and security for future success. This can only be achieved with support from all levels of government.

Cost of Living

Maintaining a freeze on TTC fares will improve affordability, and keep transit accessible for those who rely on it in our City. In addition to the benefits for affordability, it also makes transit a more attractive option, reducing vehicular traffic and congestion. Increasing access to low-cost programs and supports for seniors, such as the property tax relief and deferral programs and the Air Conditioner Assistance Program, is key. It is important that we look for gaps in our service to make sure our seniors are well-supported by the City.

Safety in Public Spaces

We need all three levels of government to invest in mental health supports, addiction recovery, and transitional housing to assist with stabilizing those in crisis and getting them on a road to recovery. As a City, we must prioritize getting people services they need. Critical staffing, from special constables and police to outreach workers, ensures our parks, public spaces and public transit system are enjoyable and safe for their intended purpose.

Getting Around the City

On our roads, we need to optimize traffic flow using modern signal technology informed by real-time data. We need to encourage transit use whenever possible by investing in maintenance, capital improvements and customer service. If it is efficient, reliable and safe, more people will use the TTC - meaning less cars on the road. The City must also prioritize pedestrian safety. This means ensuring e-bikes are used safely and responsibly, as well as redesigning roads and revamping our infrastructure with a Vision Zero lens.

Confronting Hateful and Hostile Behaviour

Toronto should be a place where everyone feels safe, regardless of identity. Acts of violence, vandalism and hate against places of worship and members of our communities, a large proportion of which have recently targeted the Jewish community, cannot be tolerated. I worked with Council colleagues to establish a bubble zone by-law to prevent harassment and intimidation outside of places of worship. I have also worked to create a Ward 15 Interfaith group to forge community connections. I look forward to continuing this work in the new term.