I learned ALOT from my campaign: about running a campaign but also about the community. Knocking on doors and meeting people you’d otherwise never have occasion to meet really gets one in tune with their neighbourhood. Here are some of the lessons I learned, split into community and personal: Community lessons: – the Beach is an affordable food … Read More
Running an environmental campaign…
As I clean up and sort out the mess in my office post-campaign I am appalled by all the waste. Hundreds of unused flyers, dozens of unused window signs, leftover buttons, stacks of paper from canvassing. So much paper and ink for such short use to be disposed of. It was tough running an environmental campaign while still being a … Read More
My thoughts post election…
First of all, congrats to all the candidates, for having the courage to put themselves out there and making an effort to reach out to the community. We had a slate of incredible and dedicated people, the ward was going to be in good hands no matter what. And kudos to Brad Bradford, he certainly worked hard for it. I told … Read More
Improving Small Business
For years people have been talking about the state of Queen St in the Beach, with our empty storefronts looking derelict and decrepit and dragging down the whole strip. But this is not unique to Queen, it’s a problem across the city. Danforth was very lucky to have DECA, who made a concerted effort to fill their stores. We can … Read More
Beaches Facebook group interview
Big thanks to Denise Angus for hosting the candidates and taking the time to do these thorough and in-depth interviews. It was a rare chance in this campaign to have the time to speak comfortably at-length about certain local issues.
Responsible Development – Heartwood
The Heartwood development at Queen and Woodbine (the old Shell Station) violates our urban design guidelines as it will block the view of our historical heritage fire hall clock tower.
Public Art
I try to beautify our neighbourhood any chance I get. Programs like StreetARToronto are important in covering all our grey concrete, and Community Centre 55 has been doing great work with young artists.
Pedestrian Safety
Too many of our streets lack proper ground markings and curb cuts to direct pedestrians and warn cars where there are pedestrian spaces.
Carbon Emissions
Climate change becomes more undeniable every day, and carbon emissions are the main culprit. The city can be doing much more to ensure the public service is not contributing more to this escalating problem.
Responsible Development – Eastdale
New developments around Eastdale and Lumsden are going to add a lot more density in an already dense area, right next to an ecologically sensitive ravine. We need to ensure development respects its surroundings and that infrastructure like mass transit will not be overloaded by new additions.