Jennifer Alexander

The Mayor and City Council

The most important thing I’d act on is connecting Etobicoke Centre; across neighbourhoods, generations and communities, and with City Hall. I’ve spent years listening to residents, bringing people together and turning local concerns into action. Through The Etobicoke Voice, community advocacy and my work in communications and project management, I’ve learned how to build relationships, find common ground and follow through. I’d bring that same approach to City Council.

Housing

I’d focus on keeping people housed while increasing the supply of affordable homes. That means protecting existing affordable and rental housing, supporting non-profit and mixed-income housing on public land, and advocating for improvements to the MURA process so local community land trusts, co-ops and other community-led groups can compete more effectively to preserve and create affordable housing. We also need stronger tenant protections and supports so people can find and keep a secure home.

Cost of Living

I would prioritize providing a nutritious snack in City-run after-school programs. For families, the cost of feeding kids doesn’t stop when the school day ends. A simple snack program could complement school nutrition programs and CampTO, helping ensure kids aren’t going hungry while giving parents one less expense to worry about. Sometimes making Toronto more affordable means looking at the small, everyday costs that add up for families.

Safety in Public Spaces

I would prioritize a community-based approach to public safety that looks at why people don’t feel safe, not just where crime is reported. I’d establish a Community Safety Working Group bringing together residents, City staff, police, transit and community organizations to identify concerns and act on them. That could mean better lighting and maintenance, safer streets and crossings, and stronger supports in parks and public spaces. Safety should be something people experience and feel every day.

Getting Around the City

I would prioritize fixing the everyday gaps that make getting around Etobicoke Centre difficult: dangerous intersections, missing or poor sidewalks, unsafe crossings and unreliable connections to transit. My experience with Walk Safe Etobicoke shows me how long residents can wait for relatively simple safety improvements. I’d establish a Road Safety Working Group to identify problem locations with residents, prioritize practical fixes and so whether you walk, cycle, take transit or drive, it becomes safer. Allowing more options outside of cars.

Confronting Hateful and Hostile Behaviour

For me, this is personal, I believe a strong community is one where people know they belong & feel comfortable showing up as themselves. I’ve seen this through community events & gatherings where neighbours who might not otherwise meet come together, share their experiences and build connections. We need more of this! With The Etobicoke Voice & community work, I’ve tried to create more of those opportunities. As Councillor, I’ll make sure no one feels like they’re on their own in Etobicoke Centre. Community is how we look out for one another.