Last week, the Province dropped the writ for an election. I have been very public about my issues with the current provincial government, such as their patriarchal approach to bike lanes, supervised consumption sites or encampments. I unfortunately have a new issue to add to this growing pile.
On January 27, the province modified several employment area conversions that were requested across the City, replacing a requirement for affordable housing with language that “encourages” it instead. While none are within Toronto Centre, City Planning staff have flagged that this could result in the loss of up to 5,000 affordable homes, frustrating our collective efforts to address the housing crisis.
As the Chair of both the Board of Health and Toronto and East York Community Council, I see firsthand how often the City runs into the brick wall that is the province. As municipalities are “creatures” of the province, we, as a City, too often find ourselves trying work within systems that is unresponsive–and often misaligned– with our needs.
Congestion is a reality in the downtown, and will always be an issue. We need a provincial partner who recognizes that it’s not created by bike lanes, but by construction, traffic safety measures and a lack of alternative options to replace private cars.
For too many years, politicians at Queen’s Park have normalized poverty, open drug use and constant examples of mental health crises as a “Downtown East” issue that they can leave behind when they drive back to their suburban homes. Key to addressing the addiction and mental health crisis is addressing the housing crisis, as the lack of affordable housing is both exacerbating these issues and making it nearly impossible to properly solve.
These issues are deep and systemic, and require a provincial partner that can work together with the City. I’m sure you’ll be sharing the same concerns and frustrations to provincial Toronto Centre candidates as they knock on your door. I know that you and your neighbours will choose someone strong to represent our collective interests at Queen’s Park. But one seat does not make a government.
Many of us have friends and family who live outside of Toronto Centre, be it in our suburbs, in the Greater Toronto Area or beyond in Ontario. We need your network to educate the candidates running for election in places like Halton Hills, Pickle Lake and Calabogie that they may not represent areas like Toronto, but they have a role in ensuring their government works with municipalities to develop sustainable solutions that address local needs. That is a sentiment that I believe most residents can get behind, no matter where you live.
No matter what party you, your friends and your family align yourself with, I hope you will support a provincial partner that works with – not against – the interests of our municipalities.
Yours in Service,
Chris Moise
City Councillor
Ward 13 - Toronto Centre
