Diana Chan McNally

The Mayor and City Council

As a long-time advocate, I have made substantial wins from all orders of government — including from Doug Ford's government. Ford continues to encroach on our local democracy, and Council members must stand up to his overreach and ensure that local communities have input and control over issues and infrastructure like our waterfront and bike lanes. As a civilian, I have fought the province to make sure we continue to have rent control, and won $54 million from the Ford government in rent supplements. I will continue this work as a Councillor.

Housing

I would scale the RentSafeTO program to meet the real need of tenants, including by taking real action against bad faith landlords. I would also create more permanently affordable homes by increasing funding for the Multi-Unit Residential Acquisition (MURA) program, and build upon the success of Toronto’s Public Builder Model by prioritizing in Parkdale–High Park our community’s greatest housing needs: affordable rentals, accessible units, and family-sized units.

Cost of Living

The affordability crisis has made having fun and connecting with community into luxuries, but they shouldn't be. A good life is more than just survival--we need joy. I would expand Community Recreation Centre operating hours, access, and programming, focusing on children, youth, and seniors. By extending hours — just as the city has already done with public libraries — and expanding programming, we can provide more free activities for families and people to live healthier, more engaged lives.

Safety in Public Spaces

I would continue to invest in and scale the Toronto Community Crisis Service. As well, people experiencing crisis need dedicated and resourced spaces to connect with people they trust and find adequate and appropriate support. Toronto's 24/7 respite centres currently are closed to walk-in access, leaving people in crisis at all hours of the day stranded in public and unable to access safe and supportive space. As Councillor, I would reverse this policy and bring back walk-in access to 24/7 respite centres.

Getting Around the City

Building on the changes to transit the City of Toronto put in place during the FIFA games, I would make these changes permanent — including increasing the reliability of bus service, and expanding transit priority measures on the 504 King streetcar.

Confronting Hateful and Hostile Behaviour

Building community connection is key to overcoming mistrust and hate. We need to protect and build upon the opportunities we have in our neighbourhoods for community members to come together, connect and build meaningful relationships with one another. I will improve access to public spaces by reducing barriers for hosting community and neighbourhood events on City-owned and managed land, expanding microgrants for community-led activities in public spaces through the Local Leadership Grant Program, and more.