Parkdale-High Park

Vanessa RaponiNo

Toronto needs more housing. Thousands of folks are on waitlists. We must prioritize community consultation of new developments to integrate neighbourhood character and hyperlocal feedback (garbage collection, impact to local transit routes, etc.). All wards need to build more of the right housing.

Holly WeberYes

Multi unit housing within development heights should be allowed in areas where there are detached and semi detached houses and a minimum square footage should be regulated.

Vanessa RaponiYes

If a perfect solution for permanent housing is presented to someone, yes, they should no longer need to be in an encampment in a public space. However, if it's temporary housing without adequate accommodations to unique personal needs, it could be a more nuanced scenario.

Holly WeberYes

This is not a yes or no question, my answer is that id depends on the circumstances.

Road pricing is worth considering, but my focus is improving transit reliability, speeding up service, and securing funding. For transit to be a practical alternative to driving, we must build capacity first. Because we are not there yet, I lean toward no on these charges for now.

Vanessa RaponiYes

Tools that bring more revenue to our municipal budget, as well decrease congestion and encourage other modes of low-carbon emission options (such as transit / cycling) have major benefits to improving the Toronto we want to build. Provincial advocacy will be required, as well as low income options.

Holly WeberYes

yes this is an option that I think the city should explore, we have a lot of gridlock in the city and this is a solution that could reduce this.

Vanessa RaponiNo

We must get creative with our dollars as-is instead of deferring maintenance arbitrarily. We need more local revenue tools, and we need to ensure the provincial & federal gov't support with more consistent income tools (i.e. a fixed % or $ amount of various taxes such as sales taxes within Toronto).

Holly WeberNo

Yes and no- the city should explore other options to generate revenue, however this is also something that the other level of governments should fund as well. The city also needs to manage its budget better.

Vanessa RaponiNo

As an engineer in global manufacturing for the last decade, I can attest to the complexity of multi-million $ multi-year projects. The nuance, technical context, and evolving information would not benefit the public. Consistent communication, and freedom of information requests should be leveraged.

Holly WeberYes

transparency is important

Vanessa RaponiMental-health response, addiction treatment and youth intervention

Need to address mental health and addiction crises with tailored experts. Need compassion and empathy before escalation. Enforcement without compassionate follow-up and wraparound services is not a sustainable strategy.

Holly WeberPolice, bylaw enforcement and a more visible official presence

These all need additional investment to improve public safety, a balanced solution is the right mix of these 3 options

We need to prevent crime at a systemic level by exploring youth crime interventions and mentorship, alongside increasing the capacity of community crisis services to free up police resources. Working with all stakeholders, we must monitor policy designs to evaluate if they reduce crime over time.

Vanessa RaponiRemain approximately constant after inflation

Adjusting budgets for inflation across the board is imperitative to maintaining existing services. TPS must prevent and solve violent crimes like chrild s*xual abuse/trafficking, drugs, car jacking, cyber security & identity theft, gun violence, etc. We must increase funds to TCCS (211).

Holly WeberRemain approximately constant after inflation

the police budget should keep up with the demands of the city

Vanessa RaponiEstablish citywide limits on access, retention, auditing and data sharing

We must balance individual data privacy through surveillance with leveraging technology to prevent and stop crime. Strict regulation created by experts must be implemented and closely followed for any new surveillance related technology implemented.

Holly WeberRestrict their use to narrowly authorized investigations

Cameras should only be used by the city of Toronto with closed network access, only lawfully authorized people should have access

Vanessa RaponiMore frequent and reliable service on existing routes

This is a difficult question as all 3 are essentially equally as important. We need more people using transit, that is reliable, in order to justify and unify our city to invest in expanding transit. The more robust, accessible and consistent our transit is, the better for the entire city.

Holly WeberVehicles, stations, signals and other state-of-good-repair work

All of the above are important, finding should support a balance of all of these

We need comprehensive planning that thoughtfully balances passenger capacity with accessibility needs, emergency vehicle routes, commercial loading zones, and other stakeholder uses. These diverse needs are not mutually exclusive.

Vanessa RaponiTransit, walking and cycling

Improving passenger capacity can reduce congestion and people depending on cars, thereby helping emergency vehicles/delivery/etc.

Holly WeberTransit, walking and cycling

I think we need to do better with our design to accommodate everyone where possible, emergency vehicles should always have access to the people they need to reach

The city must remove barriers that stall responsible growth: development that incorporates affordable housing, a diverse range of options, more mid-density, and an abundance of family-sized units. Streamlining approvals and cutting red tape are vital to making that happen in a timely manner.

Vanessa RaponiBuild or finance substantially more affordable and supportive housing

Permission, cost & speed need to be monitored, but we must build the right housing for Torontonians today. We must prioritize public delivery. If we do things too quickly, we risk prioritizing profit over people. And that is not where the Toronto housing market should focus.

Vanessa RaponiSupply land, funding and incentives to non-profit and private providers

Ideally, we can be the Direct Provider, but budgetary limitations can prevent reaching the scale we need. Partnerships can widen funding access with reliable experts (i.e. UHN Dunn House and PARC). We must ensure the delivery of high quantity and quality affordable and supportive housing.

Vanessa RaponiPermit more apartments and multiplexes in nearly every neighbourhood

We need more housing everywhere. Prioritizing existing infrastructure is helpful in the short term, but we need to invest in more infrastructure across the city to not make certain areas overly dense. We need to invest in better transit and community spaces to accommodate increased density.

Vanessa RaponiReduce parking, design and other construction requirements

Fewer restrictions increases opportunity for more housing developments. We need developers to contribute proportionately to the neighbourhoods they are building in, and we need to ensure there is sufficient community consultation time integrated into the process to help us build the right homes.

Holly WeberExpand as-of-right zoning and automate routine permits

All of these are viable answers to expedite short term housing development

Vanessa RaponiPrevent councillors from altering scope after approval without identifying funding

Large-scale projects are complex and multi-year, things change. We cannot allow for change in elected officials to override progress. This is a major risk for a waste of public tax dollars.

Holly WeberStrengthen professional project management, procurement and contracting

All of the above, particularly strengthening procurement and project management operational standards

Vanessa RaponiExpand permanent city staff and internal operational capacity

City services should maintain control as much as possible, but external delivery should be utilized in unique complex scenarios where economy of scale or complexity or specialization are beyond what the city can deliver.

Holly WeberUse competitive contracts and outside providers where they can deliver better value

All of these are viable options depending on which service you are talking about, external delivery is important particularly in service that is for a short period of time or to supplement the permanent staff when there is a temporary increase of required services.

Vanessa RaponiGrow approximately with inflation and population

Need alternative revenue streams than only property tax increases. But do need to prioritize more revenue income paths.

Vanessa RaponiProperty taxes or new municipal income or sales taxes, if authorized

Most stable, reliable, consistent and scalable. We must keep up with inflation, population increases, and improving increased service. This question highlights examples of municipal tools we can leverage, and we also must advocate for consistent revenue from provincial + federal gov't.

Holly WeberCongestion charges, tolls, parking levies and service fees

The city needs to rely on a combination of the above

Vanessa RaponiIntroduce a levy or other recurring source reserved for maintenance

Maintenance and reliability are critical. We need more local revenue tools, and we need to ensure the provincial & federal gov't support with more consistent income tools as well (i.e. can we have a fixed % or $ amount of various taxes such as sales taxes within Toronto establishments, etc.)

Vanessa RaponiPublicly press for greater authority, revenue and a different fiscal arrangement

Need to work together collaboratively, but need more municipal final decision making power and autonomy, specifically for City of Toronto in its unique population and economic role within Ontario.

Vanessa Raponisetting spending and tax levels without assembling a majority

Strong mayor powers could be useful in emergency situations (like COVID) where bureaucratic timelines and processes cannot accommodate urgency. "Budget" or "Administrative" meet the spirit of my opinion. Ultimately, we need democratic approvals in vast majority of scenarios.

Vanessa RaponiMore housing, investment and development

Growth requires more safety investment, more development, and more transit services. We need more in Parkdale High Park, broadly.

Holly WeberTransit, roads, parks, waste collection and local infrastructure

All of the above deserve great attention

Vanessa RaponiMore homes approved, under construction or completed

Quality affordable housing has knock-on effects that will positively impact the city. Toronto has a homelessness and affordable housing crisis. Prioritizing resources here, and monitoring my contributions in succeeding in this goal will best hold me accountable to my constituents.

Holly WeberImproved fiscal sustainability and service performance

There are multiple facets that constituents can review to determine my performance

We need to accelerate the expansion of our protected cycling network to build a safer and more sustainable city, ensuring implementation is guided by thorough community consultation for long-term success.

Vanessa RaponiFinish approved projects but undertake few additional road reallocations

Not supportive of removal. Want to see completion of what has been commit to.

Holly WeberFinish approved projects but undertake few additional road reallocations

The city should focus on making the existing cycling infrastructure more safe, and plan our future infrastructure to implement when the provincial government has been replaced. The city's hands are currently tied because of provincial overreach

Vanessa RaponiAccept significant disruption unless there is an immediate safety threat

Protesting is an essential pillar of democracy - it is one of the most important and accessible tools for Canadians to have their voices heard. The Canadian Charter guarantees certain rights and fundamental freedoms, including the freedoms of religion, opinion, expression, and peaceful assembly.

Vanessa RaponiPermits, licences, payments and service requests

Need better communication and clarity that supports residents navigate the city. Toronto's Open Data infrastructure is very solid, there is a large community of people working on making data accessible, and City functions measurable already.

Holly WeberPermits, licences, payments and service requests

All of the above, the city needs significant investment in technology to improve efficiency across the board.

Vanessa RaponiReduce internal administration, staffing or contract costs

All 3 approaches need to be leveraged. We should monitor the efficiency of staffing/admin etc. and stay innovative, welcoming evolving technology. This is a good way to recoup costs while taking advantage the skilled tech industry. Need to be vetted and follow the City's governance frameworks.

Holly WeberReduce or redesign lower-priority services

the city should review a combination of the above

Vanessa RaponiExpand housing, transportation, public safety and infrastructure

Improve fundamentals to make Toronto a place where people can thrive and want to live. This gives them peace of mind, opportunity to pursue entrepreneurial paths. A small business owner can spend more time on improving their business if they don't have to worry about cleanliness/snow removal/etc.

Vanessa RaponiHousing affordability, transportation, safety and quality of life

Make the city better, paired with incentives within the best industries will be motivated to invest in Toronto.

Vanessa RaponiExpand apprenticeships, training and recognition of international credentials

Any opportunity to invest in more jobs should be leveraged where possible. Decent work is a pillar of addressing food insecurity / poverty / pathways to exiting homelessness: two birds one stone. This is also good way to support newcomers, youth who have trouble finding entry level jobs. etc.

Vanessa RaponiCleanliness, roads, sidewalks, snow clearing, washrooms and routine park care

Cleanliness, roads, sidewalks, snow clearing, washrooms and routine park care are the foundation for everything else that follows. Therefore, facilitating an increase in major improvements and improved programs and activities.

Vanessa RaponiGrants, city facilities and affordable cultural space

Art is critically important. Need to invest publicly and support artists. This is the soul and lifeblood of what makes Toronto Toronto, and particularly what makes Parkdale Parkdale.

Holly WeberGrants, city facilities and affordable cultural space

a combination of the above

Vanessa RaponiMandatory reporting on trips, collisions, congestion and curb use

Need to ensure they are safe, collisions are reported, policies are routinely scrutinized, and people's voices are listened to.

Holly WeberMandatory reporting on trips, collisions, congestion and curb use

This should be a combination of the first and the second one, and when automated vehicles come to Toronto they should be heavily regulated