KnowYourVote Toronto

councillor

Nathen Masri

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?

Stop treating struggling residents like City Hall’s ATM. I’ll fight to ROLL BACK Toronto’s property-tax increases and FREEZE residential property taxes for four years. A Taxpayer Value Office will hunt waste, procurement failures and underperforming spending, while we build new City revenue streams instead of automatically raising taxes and fees. Working- and middle-class families need government to find savings before government comes looking for theirs.

councillor

Hard Parmar

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 making the TTC more affordable, starting with free transit for low-income seniors and expanding fare discounts for struggling working families. Many seniors live on fixed incomes and shouldn’t have to choose between paying for transit, groceries, or medication. I would push for these changes in the next City budget while protecting TTC services. Affordability should not just be a promise. Residents should see real savings in their everyday lives.

councillor

Chloe Brown

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 Community Wealth Building (CWB) to keep money, ownership, and resources in the community. I'd help worker co-ops, social enterprises, and community-owned businesses by linking them to anchor institutions that buy local and pay living wages. I'd also bring credit unions and community land trusts in as development partners, using public land for affordable housing and cultural space, not speculation. The goal: make pro-social economics the norm, close income gaps fast and increase labour mobility and social stability.

councillor

Kristian Santos

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?

One thing I would prioritize is getting better control over city fees and charges that keep climbing every year. Too many residents in Etobicoke North are seeing higher costs for basic city services while not seeing clear improvements in return. I would push for a full review of user fees and point-of-service charges to identify where we can freeze or reduce costs for residents, especially families and seniors on fixed incomes.

councillor

Ian Cunningham

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?

We need to speed up housing approvals and remove unnecessary delays that add costs and slow construction. I support increasing the supply of rental, affordable, supportive, and family-sized housing, while expanding housing options. New homes should be prioritized near transit, major streets, and City-owned land, while existing affordable rental housing must be protected from loss and fraudulent evictions. We also need to create more pathways into homeownership for the next generation of Torontonians.

councillor

Paul Nash

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’ll advocate for new affordability measures in the municipal spending plan that deliver results. I’ll advocate to freeze property tax increases.

councillor

Bashar Kassir

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?

Toronto residents are facing growing financial pressure, and City Hall should not add unnecessarily to that burden. My priority would be to improve the value residents receive for the taxes and fees they already pay by identifying waste, improving efficiency, and reviewing city services for better value. Before increasing taxes, fares, or user fees, the City should first look for savings and alternative revenue sources while protecting the essential services residents rely on.

councillor

Ausma Malik

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’ll cap TTC fares at 10 rides per week so the more you ride, the less you pay, building on the 3 years of fare freezes and current fare capping program. I’ll support lowering grocery costs through municipally-owned/operated grocery stores and banning surveillance pricing at big box stores, while saving people more money through the further expansion of the Student Nutrition Program in schools and in CampTO to provide 2 meals to kids in schools and City programs.

councillor

Husain Neemuchwala

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?

Affordability affects residents every day, from rent and groceries to transportation. I would freeze TTC fares and work to reduce costs for those who rely on transit, while maintaining reliable service. By listening directly to residents, I would identify where the City can make the greatest difference, turn those concerns into practical action with measurable goals, and report back on results. My focus is easing everyday pressures with empathy and accountability.

councillor

Xue Ding

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?

Prudent and efficient fiscal management and tax reform, cut TTC/transit commuting costs

councillor

Andi Hoàng-Lefranc

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?

In March 2025, City Council voted to explore the creation of city-run grocery stores. Instead of another feasibility study, I am committed to opening an expanded network of City-run grocery stores by leveraging the City's ability to purchase foodstuffs and fresh produce in bulk, which will keep costs low while curbing food waste. By the City taking the lead to increase the availability of affordable groceries, especially in food deserts, this will force major grocery corporations to lower their prices in response to shifting market demand.

councillor

Paul Viret

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?

Combat high cost grocery chains with government owned grocery stores. This buy food in bulk and split it between the stores, schools, elder care and other non-profit and public facilities. The school meal program and CampTO are great programs that provide food and will get additional funding but a government owned grocery store will help every one, even those who don't have children.

councillor

Mike Layton

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?

Address exorbitant food costs and food insecurity via expansion of the School Meal Program to provide 2 meals to all school kids in the City and preserving the CampTO nutrition program. Support options to save working families money through municipally owned and operated grocery stores. Strengthen and expand food co-ops like Karma Co-op in Ward 11. Support ban on surveillance pricing at big box stores. Expand and bolster local community gardens in neighbourhoods.

councillor

Keenan Courtis

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?

To combat the rising cost of living, Toronto must support its public grocery pilot and improve commercial rent protections to shield local restaurants, corner stores, and independent grocers from inflation. However, because residential rent remains the largest financial drain on most Torontonians, the comprehensive housing and infill densification initiatives mentioned above are what will ultimately deliver the greatest and most lasting economic relief to our communities.

councillor

Gian Pileri

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 expand income-based savings through one application for transit, recreation and other City fees, plus a monthly healthy food credit at participating grocers and markets. Building on Toronto’s existing benefits account, residents could apply online, by phone or in person. Support would reflect income and household size, with eligibility expanded to more households. In the first budget, I would seek funding for a pilot with clear renewal rules and privacy protections, and publish household savings, participation and costs.

councillor

Alice Li

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?

We can all relate to skipping meals to save money, myself included. Too many residents are being priced out of this city. Many transit riders depend on the TTC to get to work and earn a living, and cannot afford a car. I will champion TTC fare capping to make daily transportation more affordable for the people who rely on it most.

councillor

Diana Yoon

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?

We must tackle the cost of living crisis head-on and fast. Since May, I have advocated for a weekly fare cap and I am pleased to see the mayor adopt it as a campaign promise. We can push this even further for a daily fare cap for the TTC. Getting around affordably is one way the city can make a difference in the lives of everyday people. I will use my experience negotiating with other levels of government to make sure Toronto gets its fair share of funding for the TTC to implement this.

councillor

Josh Matlow

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?

The cost of groceries is far too high. I believe that the city should focus on supporting small, independent produce grocers, who already provide much needed and affordable fresh produce for communities across the city. I have protected these businesses in Midtown, helping them relocate when they’ve been affected by redevelopment. I believe the city should explore expanding supports and tax incentives for these independent produce grocers across the city to ensure they remain viable and successful.

councillor

David Cottrell

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 reducing the everyday cost burden created by City Hall. Before asking residents to pay more through taxes, fares or fees, the City should review spending, eliminate waste and improve procurement and project delivery. Toronto is already expensive enough. Residents deserve a city that looks for savings internally first and delivers better value for the money they already pay.

councillor

Mina Nadimi

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?

Besides of the high cost of living , housing , Business closers , due to city fees this is not helping . First thing what I do is why some city fees are there .? Is it helping Torontonians for a better healthy living to make Torontonians life more affordable . Above issues are very urgent matters in majority of Torontonians weather you are Business Owner or Home Owner or you are a renters . More in my Platform

councillor

Jenny Kalimbet

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?

My priority is to freeze property taxes until a full review of City spending is completed. Toronto families cannot afford endless tax increases. Too often, federal and provincial responsibilities place additional pressure on Toronto’s budget. We need stronger collaboration with all levels of government to ensure fair funding, eliminate wasteful spending, protect essential services, and bring affordability back to Toronto residents.

councillor

Chris Moise

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 championed freezing TTC fares for three consecutive years and supported the Mayor’s fare capping initiative so the more you ride, the less you pay. After 47 rides a month, you ride free starting this September. I will keep that freeze in place, expand the Fair Pass program, extend free fares to youth and people on social assistance, and fight any effort to balance the TTC budget on the backs of riders. Affordable transit is one of the most direct things we can do to ease the cost of daily life, fast.

councillor

Tom Cai

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?

Fiscal irresponsibility at City Hall means your tax dollars aren't going to the services you need, but instead to vanity projects no one can afford. I will audit the city's budget and ensure that there is minimal waste of tax dollars.

councillor

Walied Khogali Ali

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 protecting affordable homes and reducing the costs that push residents out of their neighbourhoods. I would press for stronger eviction prevention, faster access to housing supports and practical relief for low-income households. I would also work with community partners to expand food security programs and year-round paid youth employment. Affordability should mean residents can pay their bills and still build a future in Toronto.

councillor

Morgan Harris

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?

Lower costs of public transit. Target to make transit free for seniors and later other groups until the TTC is free to use. This is done in other places and can be done here.

councillor

Victoria Davis

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?

Expanding city resources and social services to any income level and not restricting to income testing. People of all income levels are struggling and everyone should have access to tools that help us to survive. I support the building of a city grocer, although I believe that leaning on supporting existing food banks will reduce the time and cost of the learning curve.

councillor

Norman MacLeod

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?

Victory for People voting to elect Norman MacLeod Councilor Ward13 and History for your Toronto Municipal Ward 13. You will vote because only I know that as a City Council, Your serving 2026 elected will understand why we need to remove liability from grocers. I talk and know the store managers want that to donate awesome perishable fresh food drink and meat. TTC is easy. You only need me there and I will increase streetcars overnight heavily. I raise capital. I will not vote to raise taxes. There is no need to with what I learned and will.

councillor

Nicki Ward

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 have lived with disability and poverty, so I know what it's like when the city nickel-and-dimes residents to death. Worse, the city often spends fifty cents of red tape just to get a nickel out of us. It punishes residents with zero economic benefit. I will scrap petty user fees immediately. I will scale co-op models that keep rent and food costs down. The broken TTC causes personal costs or cancellation penalties. I will enforce strict service standards for uptime and accessibility. All of which lowers everyone's cost of living.

councillor

Curran Stikuts

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?

People should be able to get around and enjoy their city without stretching an already tight budget. I support a weekly TTC fare cap of ten paid rides, including for post-secondary students, with no upfront pass purchase. I would also expand free recreation programs and add spaces so more people can swim, play sports and stay active. I would push to fund these changes in the next City budget so residents see savings quickly.

councillor

Joe Cadeau

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 propose a 36 month wage freeze for any non-unionized non-contracted City worker and City corporation employee earning more than twice the average income of the riding. The savings would go towards funding programs such as free TTC transit for students (regardless of age) and offset/expand access to City of Toronto recreation programs and activities. I would also focus on developing co-op housing to provide immediate lower costs of living options for residents.

councillor

George Fawcett

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?

The affordability crisis has not just forced many people to leave our city, it's also forcing others to re-consider big decisions like whether they can afford to start a family, open a small business, or make a career change. A city can only reach its full potential when its residents feel able to reach theirs. My priorities would include advocating for stronger rent control and the elimination of Above-Guideline Rent Increases, continuing TTC fare capping and service improvements, and reducing fees affecting families and small businesses.

councillor

Maria Voutsinas

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 advocate for reduced fares for TTC for low income residents, which would support them while still working to have enough resources to manage TTC repairs and service improvements.

councillor

Maqsood Ahmad

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?

My priority is to make life affordable by lowering City controlled costs and supporting fair income. I would work with Council to control property tax increases and provide tax and utility bill help for seniors and people with low incomes. I would work with the TTC to find ways to lower transit costs to people save money on commute and reduce traffic on our streets. Note I would also stand up for thousands of ride share and delivery workers by seeking fair base pay and a fairer share of each fare, without increasing the price paid by customers

councillor

Dianne Saxe

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?

Let’s make Toronto more affordable. I champion practical programs that bring down costs for everyone, like repair cafés, tool-lending libraries, farmers’ markets, BikeShare and plug-in solar. I’ll keep improving transit and cycling, so it’s easier to live well without a car as gas costs soar. We help TCHC tenants with $5/year BikeShare and free lobby Wi-Fi. We can make healthy food more accessible through allotment gardens, community fridges and food co-ops. I’ll keep supporting “Buy Local” and free sports equipment to use in parks.

councillor

Michael Mitchell

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.

councillor

Devyn Stackhouse

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?

In a perfect world, phase out TTC rider fares. In this world, make Toronto Island Ferry passes available for free via the TPL museum access program. The Islands are the place in the city I go to re-charge, and it costs $9.57 each time.

councillor

Caryma Sa'd

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?

Advocate for a one-stop benefits navigator so residents can easily find and enroll in the fee discounts, tax credits, and subsidies for which they already qualify. Many people miss support simply because the system is confusing. This is a low-cost idea that can be launched relatively quickly.

councillor

Susan Chapelle

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?

My priority is reducing the everyday cost of getting around Toronto. I would protect affordable TTC fares and improve reliable service, while protecting employment lands so people can live closer to where they work. We cannot build housing alone and call it a complete community. Toronto needs jobs, local businesses and services within walking and cycling distance. Affordability means spending less time and money travelling across the city just to work and meet daily needs.

councillor

Mary Fragedakis

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?

City Hall needs to focus on affordability and value for the taxes and fees residents already pay. One thing I would prioritize is improving TTC reliability so people get better service without making everyday transportation more expensive. We also need well-maintained roads and parks, clean streets, dependable garbage and snow removal, more housing and strong local main streets so Toronto remains a city where people can afford to live, work and raise a family.

councillor

Jason Stevens

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?

the city will get one of the most active on affordability issues as ive been to the deputations of the budget committee and active organizing with Torontonians fighting for affordability

councillor

Denise Walcott

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 require an affordability check on major City budget decisions. Before increasing a tax or fee, Council should clearly show the cost to households, the alternatives considered and how seniors and lower-income residents would be protected. The TTC fare freeze shows Council can provide immediate relief. I would review spending, challenge unnecessary costs, protect essential services and work to keep property taxes low and reasonable. Residents should see and feel the results through reliable services and less pressure on household budgets.

councillor

Sara Ehrhardt

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?

Fighting for measures that make life more affordable would be a key priority for me as City Councillor. I would advocate for a wide range of things to ensure that as many residents of Toronto could benefit as possible. This includes supporting TTC fare capping to keep transit affordable, expanding the school food program to help kids and parents, increased low-cost and barrier-free programming and supports for tenants, seniors, children and youth, and more programs to help homeowners.

councillor

Sheena Sharp

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?

Housing, phone, internet, food and transportation are our main expenses, and the city partly controls only two of them. The problem is that a very few really large companies control these things and they can charge what they want. Canada has some of the highest construction costs in the world, making our housing and transit less affordable. The city can make some changes like streamlining approvals but the provincial and federal governments have created this and they must fix it. Put the pressure where it belongs!

councillor

Rachel Chernos Lin

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?

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.

councillor

Didi Moffat

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 will freeze TTC fares and aggressively expand the Fair Pass Discount Program. Transit is an immediate, daily cost that hits working families, shift workers, and seniors the hardest. By locking baseline fares, lowering the income threshold for discounted transit, and accelerating monthly fare-capping, we can put hundreds of dollars directly back into residents' pockets this year. We pay for it by demanding the province fully fund operating shortfalls for regional transit integration, not by nickel-and-diming local riders.

councillor

Sinan Erdemir

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?

It boils down to management. Everything trickles down from there. We must be more diligent in our spending. Sometimes it isn't about making cuts, and instead about looking at it from a different angle. For example, we can ask: Will this cost the city more long-term, or will it cost more up front but save us long-term? I firmly believe that we can manage our tax dollars more effectively. A tax increase would not get my vote.

councillor

Jeffery Adamson

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?

As a priority I would be make sure City Hall respects how difficult everyday costs are for residents. Before asking residents to pay more, Council will need to demonstrate that existing tax dollars are being used effectively. I would push for a stronger review of City spending, programs, contracts and administrative costs while protecting essential frontline services. At the same time, we should look for opportunities to reduce unnecessary fees.

councillor

Hassan Mubarak Noor Mohamed

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 putting more money back into household budgets by improving value for money at City Hall. Before asking residents to pay more, I would closely review spending, procurement, and programs to identify waste and efficiencies. I would also protect essential affordability measures, particularly transit affordability and support for lower-income households. The goal is practical: reduce unnecessary costs while maintaining the services residents rely on.

councillor

Jethro Adir Kavod

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?

1 in 10 Torontonians now rely on food banks just to survive — and the average GTA home now eats 66% of a household’s income. My priority: open municipal contracts to competitive bidding. Toronto is the only Ontario city with closed-bid tendering, costing taxpayers $347M/year (Cardus study) — savings that could freeze taxes instead of raising them again. Meanwhile, three tax hikes since 2024 (9.5%, 6.9%, 2.2%) hit residents under Budget Chief Shelley Carroll. I’d also cut $100K+ development charges to ease upward pressure on rents, lower the TTC

councillor

Shelley Carroll

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 make responsible financial management and better value for taxpayers a priority from day one. I would work to hold property taxes in line with inflation, find savings and reduce red tape while protecting frontline services and pushing other levels of government to pay their fair share for services that Toronto residents currently shoulder. We also need to broaden Toronto’s revenue tools and pursue new revenue sources that do not simply increase the burden on homeowners and tenants.

councillor

Roy Samathanam

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 income-based support for residents, including exploring a rent-increase freeze for lower-income households and a grocery rebate to help families manage the rising cost of everyday essentials. These measures would provide more immediate relief to residents who are struggling with affordability.

councillor

Sabrina Zuniga

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 a Core Service Review of the City’s budget to reduce waste and limit the pressure for further property-tax increases. Higher property taxes, which Shelley Carroll has increased a compounded 28%, affect everyone because they are paid directly by homeowners and passed along to renters and small businesses through rising costs. We can immediately hold tax increases and eliminate costly programs that are not producing measurable improvements for taxpayers in Don Valley North and Toronto.

councillor

Hamid Shakeri

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?

A huge chunk of household income goes toward housing for both homeowners and tenants. Reducing these costs will give residents flexibility for other expenditures. City Council must lobby provincial and federal governments for direct grocery benefits. Additionally, municipally-run grocery stores would reduce the cost of essentials for Torontonians. Public transit fares must be frozen, and increasing competition for other services will further lower the cost of living.

councillor

Nathan Yusifov

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 immediate cost-of-living relief by keeping TTC fares affordable, expanding discounts for low-income residents, and reviewing City fees to reduce unnecessary burdens on families and seniors. In Willowdale, residents need practical relief now, alongside responsible City spending that protects essential services without placing additional pressure on household budgets.

councillor

David Magazzinich

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 keeping property taxes and City fees under control by demanding better value from every tax dollar. Before asking residents to pay more, City Hall should find efficiencies, eliminate waste and focus spending on essential services. Toronto cannot become more affordable if government continually adds to the cost of living. Residents deserve a City that lives within its means and respects their ability to pay.

councillor

Adam Smith

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?

We need to take a closer look at budget priorities and ensure what we are spending money on is what is most necessary right now, with a view to ensuring the budget does not expand and therefore does not require property tax increases. We should be increasing parking fees in order to reduce transit fares. We need to increase the vacant homes tax to at least 10% to drive investors to sell or rent for a lower price. We need to expand food gardens in parks to supply food banks with fresh produce.

councillor

James Dann

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?

The fastest thing a councillor can do on affordability is stop the City from being part of the problem. Too often the City itself adds cost and delay through fees, red tape and slow approvals, and that drives up the price of everything from a new home to a coffee at a local shop. I would cut that friction and get real value out of every dollar the City already spends, because waste at City Hall ends up on your tax bill. It is not flashy, but it is deliverable and it matters now.

councillor

Jennie Worden

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 continue to advocate for keeping TTC fares capped at the 2023 rates and I will advocate to reduce the threshold for the new fare capping so that Torontonians can ride for free after 8 presto taps a week. That means more money for groceries, rent, or a night out with a loved one. A midterm goal of mine is to expand the citywide school lunch program to include breakfast so that every child in our city can learn with a full belly and a fuelled mind.

councillor

Nate Erskine-Smith

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 support Mayor Chow’s commitment to tie any future property tax increases to inflation, better protect tenants, expand access to school food and libraries, and cap TTC fares. I also hope to play a serious role in getting more housing built across our city. Building more homes will increase our property tax base and help the city’s fiscal sustainability. Building nonmarket housing at scale will mean long-term affordability. And building rapid housing will better address homelessness.

councillor

Syeda Jaana Ali

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 making transit more affordable, starting with free TTC service for seniors. At the same time, Toronto must have the authority to make decisions based on the needs of Toronto residents. I oppose provincial measures that centralize municipal decision-making, including provisions in Bill 98 that limit local authority. Affordable transit, housing and services require local accountability. As Councillor, I will stand up for Toronto’s ability to set priorities and deliver solutions that work for our communities.

councillor

Mohammad Shabani

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?

As a candidate for Beaches-East York (Ward 19), my top priority to make Toronto affordable soon enough to matter is building deeply affordable housing. To deliver this, I will establish the Toronto Community Investment Bank (TCIB). As a public bank, the TCIB will bypass commercial constraints to directly finance over 10,000 social and supportive housing units for unhoused and low-income residents. This public funding strategy saves taxpayer money, protects tenants, and delivers rapid relief.

councillor

Jennifer Alexander

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 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.

councillor

Katie Andrachuk

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?

Housing costs affect far more than rent or mortgage payments. They drive up the cost of running businesses, providing services, and everyday purchases. Building more homes helps address these costs while strengthening City finances. More homes and businesses mean more people paying taxes, generating more revenue to fund services without placing an ever-growing burden on existing taxpayers. We need to embrace growth as an opportunity to make Toronto more affordable and financially sustainable.

councillor

Kevin Rupasinghe

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?

Building more affordable homes is the single biggest priority. Giving people more options to raise their families in the neighbourhoods they grew up in, adding more density to our major streets, getting more affordable rentals built, and using public land to support nonprofit housing such as co-ops are all ways we can bring housing costs down. I also want to invest in public transit that is fast, frequent, and reliable, and bring in 10-ride fare capping, while making streets safe for kids to walk or bike to school, to save people money.

councillor

Naser Kaid

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?

My goal is to help lower the cost of living by supporting local farmers and helping them increase production. By strengthening local agriculture and encouraging fair competition with imported products, we can give consumers more choices, create competitive prices, support local jobs, and make food more affordable for families.

councillor

Ariel-Rachel Karokis

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?

One thing that I would prioritize right from the get-go would be, to raise concern on City Spending, eliminate Waste and Corruption, and redirect the tax payers money back to the essential services every Torontonian relies on everyday.

councillor

Taiba Ahmed

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?

One thing that I believe the city should be focusing on to make life more affordable for Torontonians is the price of groceries. It’s no secret that in Canada, supermarkets are owned by a cartel that is squeezing money out of the average Canadian. In Toronto, we have countless independent grocery stores and markets which already provide affordable prices and local products. I want to provide them with more support through zero-interest loans and grant schemes to keep them in business and give Torontonians options aside from the grocery giants.

councillor

Madura Shanmugaratnam

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 practical, community-based ways to reduce everyday costs, particularly food. I want to explore opportunities for cooperative grocery models, partnerships that connect communities with Ontario farmers, and community growing initiatives on suitable City land. I would also advocate for stronger school nutrition programs. These approaches can complement broader affordability efforts while strengthening local connections and improving access to nutritious food.

councillor

Akina Lalla

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?

Housing and food costs are the most major cost of living concerns. I would advocate for different models of affordable housing, support renters, and community food programs. I would advocate for regular food grants that allow residents to get access to affordable goods from grocery store in their community. I would also review existing City programs to identify savings and remove barriers that prevent residents from accessing assistance. I would promote community gardens and support local farmers.

councillor

Willie Reodica

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?

Cost of Living Insecurity solution is to transform vacant hydro lands to organic veggies farm/garden, build more greenhouses in Ward 21 for fresh produce year round.

councillor

Krissan Veerasingam

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?

Build on the City's bulk purchasing for student nutrition program to help community grocery stores, food hubs, and independent grocers lower costs and compete with large chains.

councillor

Nisha Kumari

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?

To make Toronto affordable today, I will freeze TTC fares immediately and fund transit operations through city reserves. Families in Scarborough Centre pay more each month for worse service. An immediate fare freeze puts money back in residents’ pockets on day one, unlike mega-projects that take a decade. We fund this by slashing wasteful consultant spending and auditing city department overhead. Public transit is essential infrastructure, not a profit center. Lower daily commutes mean instant relief for working families.

councillor

Stella Kargiannakis

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?

No tax hike. Taxes represent the largest outlay for most households. I will not support new or higher taxes, charges, or levies.

councillor

Sindia Vijayarajan

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?

The TTC is underfunded after $5 billion was cut from the Canada Public Transit Fund. I pledge to restructure the funding in our budget. I will work with our MPP to get to the bottom of the unjustifiable cost for the Ontario Line. This will allow future proposals that help Scarborough-Agincourt residents receive the routes we need. Disorderly patrons are the main cause of delays. People also purposely avoid fares. This is why the quality of service has decreased. We need more fare inspectors/security guards who can fine disruptive individuals.

councillor

Rakhee Kotecha

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 controlling the costs City Hall passes on to residents by scrutinizing spending before asking people to pay more. I would push for a line-by-line review of City programs, contracts and expenditures to identify duplication, outdated spending, inefficiencies and areas where taxpayers aren't receiving value. Savings should protect essential services and reduce pressure for unnecessary increases in taxes and City fees.

councillor

Donny Morgan

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 start by auditing how the City is spending taxpayers’ dollars. Before asking residents to pay more, we need to know where the money is going, identify waste and unnecessary spending, and make sure City programs are delivering results. My focus would be on getting better value for every tax dollar.

councillor

Dan Lovell

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?

Freeze Property Taxes With No Service Cuts It costs too much to live in Toronto! With moderate increases to the vacant home and luxury home (over $3 million) taxes and by introducing a vacant commercial unit tax, we can freeze property tax while increasing city revenue. This will also help reduce rents. Affordable Groceries Through a Public Grocery Chain I will fight to create a chain of public grocery stores which operate near cost. This will reduce your grocery prices substantially while possibly creating additional revenue for the city.

councillor

Jackson Ho

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?

We should avoid increasing transit fares and keep property tax increases below the rate of inflation. At the same time, we need to find smarter ways to improve public services while reducing costs, for example, community based snow removal during major storms. We should focus on spending taxpayers’ money wisely, finding innovative ways to deliver services more efficiently, and purchasing affordable homes already available on the market when it makes more financial sense than building new ones.

councillor

Han Dong

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?

One commitment also within my main platform: no tax or fee increase above inflation gets my vote. For most of Scarborough North the bill that keeps climbing is the property tax bill the City mails you, and seniors on fixed incomes feel it first. Before the 2027 budget vote I will hold a Ward 23 Budget Town Hall and publish a page showing where your money goes. I will use two decades of provincial and federal relationships to bring outside dollars here instead of raising yours.

councillor

Sajawal Javed

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 focus on lowering the everyday costs residents feel most. One priority would be making transit more affordable, especially for youth, seniors and families who rely on it every day. I would also push for better value from every tax dollar by reviewing spending and reducing unnecessary costs. Residents should not simply be asked to pay more; Council should first prove that existing money is being spent wisely.

councillor

Jamaal Myers

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 continuing to make public transit more affordable. Under my leadership as TTC Chair, I froze TTC fares for three years in a row, worked with the Province to introduce One Fare, saving transit customers up to $1200 per year and introduced fare capping at 47 rides per month. In the next City Council, I would want to lower the fare cap to 10 rides per week (making all subsequent trips in that week free) and introduce $1 TTC fares for seniors during off-peak times when the system has additional capacity.

councillor

Ronald Phen

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 like to like to freeze the property tax rate or keep it at or below the rate of inflation. I would also like to keep a freeze on hydro, water and waste fees. I would also increase funding for the students nutrition program.

councillor

Shaun Chen

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?

Public transit helps people get around the city, and that is why I fought hard for the Scarborough Subway Extension, anchored by $2.26 billion in federal funding that I helped secure in 2021 as the local MP. Now, north Scarborough's first-ever subway station is under construction at Sheppard and McCowan. Transit fares must also be affordable. That is why I support a TTC fare cap to make rides free after 10 paid trips, as well as a fare freeze in the next fiscal year, while ensuring high service standards.

councillor

Paul Ainslie

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?

To make Toronto more affordable, my top priority would be job creation and economic development. Residents need access to good-paying jobs close to home, and communities need investment that supports local businesses and attracts new employers. As an advocate for Scarborough’s fair share of resources and opportunities, I will work with government and the private sector to bring investment, employment, and growth to our communities. I will also work to keep property tax increases at or below the rate of inflation whenever possible.

councillor

Ashan Fernando

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 reducing the everyday costs residents feel most especially housing, transit and City fees while protecting essential services. I would push for greater accountability in City spending, reducing waste, and directing resources toward affordability measures that provide immediate relief. As a 26+ year Ward 25 resident, I understand the pressure families face as I am experiencing these cost of daily life challenges. Toronto needs practical solutions that deliver value for taxpayers. Neighbours First. Results Always.

councillor

Zakir Patel

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?

My first priority would be keeping property taxes and City costs affordable. Residents are already struggling with the rising cost of housing, groceries, transit and everyday expenses. Before asking taxpayers for more, City Hall needs to look carefully at how every dollar is being spent, reduce unnecessary spending and improve accountability on major projects. At the same time, we need reliable transit and essential City services that people depend on.

councillor

Neethan Shan

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?

To help make life more affordable, I advocated to keep property taxes below inflation and freeze TTC fares. I support expanding school breakfast and nutrition programs so no child starts the day hungry, and families can save on grocery costs. And I will advocate against surveillance pricing and other unfair practices in grocery stores. I will also support our public libraries for more programming and resources to provide free and continuous services for all our community members.

councillor

Vane Stavrev

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 ask City council to give Rent Supplement. People with low income deserve free transit.

councillor

Jannette Lumley

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?

From my perspective the issues with Cost of Living should include all levels of Government to alleviate the pressure off the Municipal Government. They should be working together ensuring that every citizen or resident in the City of Toronto situation is dealt with based on a need analysis or assessment. However, this is a collaborative effort with the other team members to make an informed and wise decision. Also, looking at previous submission that were made in dealing with the situation could be imperative .

councillor

Amber Morley

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?

Support food security and low cost grocery options in local neighbourhoods. I supported and will continue to explore the possibility of City run grocery stores and a ban on surveillance pricing. The challenge of building complete communities is a real one, particularly when our most basic needs sometimes feel out of reach, geographically or financially. City run grocery stores is a model that works well around the world and provides greater leverage to source locally and deliver on food security in growing neighbourhoods and underserved ones.

councillor

Mihaela Andrei

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 fixing how the City spends its budget before asking residents to pay more for their housing and transit needs. I would push for every major contract to be competitively sourced, with cost overruns published for residents to see. For years as a condo board president, I have reviewed contracts, pushed back on predatory vendors and protected reserve funds. I would apply the same rigorous discipline to the City budget starting with a line-by-line review to see how the money was spent and what services benefitted residents most.

councillor

Steve Yuen

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 am Steve Yuen & I am not here to make empty promises. I WILL work HARD to make housing, transit, roads, parks , rent, support local businesses more affordable for my constituents including All Canadians! I am here to LISTEN, WORK HARD & DELIVER...by working with 3 level of Governments - The City of Toronto- The Ontario Provincial & The Federal Government - For WARD 4 & all Canadians. I WILL make SURE to my Constituents that YOUR TAX dollar$$ are spent responsibly!

councillor

Bridget Ogundipe

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?

The rising cost of everyday necessities is putting tremendous pressure on people across Toronto. I would prioritize easing the cost of essential needs, particularly transportation and food. That means advocating for continued TTC fare freezes, supporting the planned reduction of the monthly fare cap to 40 trips, and improving access to fresh, affordable groceries in underserved neighbourhoods through support for independent grocers and community food initiatives.

councillor

Adam Pham

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?

Keep annual property tax increases at or below the rate of inflation. It is easy and simple to increase taxes and fees but a smart and responsible City Hall should know how to increase revenues without property tax increases. Explore City-owned grocery stores and other practical ways to reduce food costs. Bring practical solutions to lower rent.

councillor

Holly Weber

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?

My focus would be on how the city can reduce families’ food bills and improve competition and access. I want to look at how the city can provide access to affordable space, tax/fee relief for independent groceries and food co-ops and other measures that make it easier for lower-margin independent and non-profit grocery operations to survive and compete. I also support the city's project to provide public grocery stores to ensure a more affordable option for food.

councillor

Diana Chan McNally

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?

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.

councillor

Debbie King

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?

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.

councillor

Vanessa Raponi

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?

Employment is a key area of addressing cost of living: applying to 1000 jobs on LinkedIn with no responses, and struggling to get big chains to consider you for a cashier role is simply not cutting it anymore. The city needs to intervene to connect workers with employment opportunities. More job fairs, more professional development investments to upskill talented hardworking people. All sectors of public, private, entrepreneurial and non-profit work need help filling open roles. Internships & apprenticeships should be prioritized as well.

councillor

Andy Potega

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 know there is a way forward and I'm ready to do the work. I have a plan to make Ontario more financially sustainable. Create good-paying jobs, become less dependent on imports and take advantage of clean-abundant energy. Toronto will be a city where people can afford to live comfortably, I'm confident we can take back what we gave away. I have worked for the City of Toronto since 2006. I know how the city works from the inside. I know the challenges we face. Let me put my experience and knowledge to work for the people of Toronto.

councillor

Chiara Padovani

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?

As a social worker, I know how many are struggling to balance paying for basics – like groceries, transportation and medication – when rent is so high. My housing platform aims to make rent more affordable, by passing an anti-AGI bylaw and bringing real rent control to all homes on public land. I’ll also work to continue the TTC fare freeze and fare capping so getting around the city remains affordable while reducing congestion by promoting transit use. Lastly, I’ll support public grocers to take the profit out of the cost of food too.

Candidate answers