Issues

John has ideas of what action should be taken on many issues facing the Ward and the city, and they follow. But these ideas need much discussion before they are finalized. Please send your comments on these drafts to j.sewell@on.aibn.com

A financial Plan for the City, updated October 19 : The city does not have the ability to generate the revenues needed for the large expenses it must meet, and its major source of tax revenue, the property tax system, is in disarray. Some tax and revenue policies encourage outcomes (such as sprawl) which the city wishes to discourage. We need a new financial plan. MORE>>

A more effective city council, updated October12, 2006: The megacity is the fifth largest government in the country, so big it seems to overwhelm councillors as well as neighbourhoods. Some serious restructuring can restore local democracy to Toronto. MORE>>

A plan for St. Clair Avenue: Widening the roadway on St. Clair at the expense of narrower sidewalks is a bad idea - a perfect example of big city ideas overwhelming the neighbourhood. There's a better and less expensive solution. MORE>>

Better planning for Toronto: Developers seem to have overrun many downtown neighbourhoods, and they are poised to jump on Ward 21. We need to create strong neighbourhood plans so there's predictability for the community and for the developer. MORE>>

Conserving the city's built heritage: What a pity we are losing so many heritage structures for no good reason. Council needs new policies which protect existing buildings of all kinds. MORE>>

Creating affordable housing: City Council has done little to address the widespread need for housing to buy or rent at modest prices. There are strong actions we can and should take. MORE>>

Dogs in the city : Dogs and people in parks sometimes conflict, but new approaches can help minimize those unfortunate events, to everyone's benefit. MORE>>

Green Policies for Toronto : Toronto must play its part in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and saving energy. It makes good environmental and economic sense. MORE>>

Personal Security and Community Safety: We can feel good about living in a big city, but we must address issues of personal security and community safety to make a good city. We must deal with the reasons why peopel feel insecure. MORE>>

Solid Waste opportunities: The city can no longer put off making decisions about what to do with solid waste. MORE>>