Debbie King

The Mayor and City Council

In 2022, I was elected to the Toronto District School Board with a mandate to get our schools working for everyone. I secured mentorship for underserved students, increased access to programs through the planning process, and advocated to maintain vital staff positions despite provincial underfunding. As socio-economic challenges grow, so do disparities across our ward and city. I bring a community-rooted approach and governance experience focused on closing gaps to build a more equitable, safe and sustainable city where everyone can thrive.

Housing

Managing housing costs requires a multi-pronged approach, including acquiring, maintaining and greening homes across the spectrum of options to meet diverse individual and family needs. Key priorities include expanding the Multi-Unit Residential Acquisition (MURA) program, strengthening tenant support programs, expanding RentSafeTO, and maintaining Toronto Community Housing in a state of good repair. I would also prioritize a holistic, youth-specific homelessness prevention strategy.

Cost of Living

Transit and child care costs are significant daily cost-of-living priorities because they affect access to employment, education and essential services, which can shape future income opportunities. These costs also disproportionately affect women and working-class households. I support TTC monthly fare capping and continuing municipal funding for child care fee subsidies. Together, these investments can improve affordability, access and social equity across Toronto.

Safety in Public Spaces

Everyone should be able to move around freely. People experience safety differently based on identity, mobility, location and other factors. For example, a crowded street can feel unsafe, as could an isolated residential road. No single approach will address every concern. A few areas of priority are creating well-populated public spaces through main streets with fewer store vacancies, well-used parks, trained crisis and outreach support throughout the transit network, and support for neighbourhood safety audits.

Getting Around the City

Everyone needs safe, reliable ways to get around. Delays are more than frustrating—they can mean lost income, missed appointments, added costs and stress. I would prioritize better coordination of construction and major events to reduce disruptions, improve streetcar speed and reliability, increase service levels on neighbourhood bus routes, and explore earlier Sunday subway service. I would also support winter bike-lane clearing and the Neighbourhood Streets Plan, giving communities a stronger voice in addressing local needs.

Confronting Hateful and Hostile Behaviour

Everyone has a right to safety and belonging. The City has a responsibility to set clear expectations that hate, racism and bias have no place in Toronto. I would prioritize an intersectional approach to City policies and services, advancing the Reconciliation Action Plan, Action Plan to Confront Anti-Black Racism and Gender Equity Strategy. I would strengthen accountability for hate-motivated incidents and race-based police misconduct, and support community and cultural events that foster connection and inclusion.