In this issue
A John Tory Landslide, and New Faces on Council
With dismal voter turnout and a third term for Tory, the city’s election presented some expected results—and a few big surprises.
Candidate Tracker 2022
The only place to find reported, fact-checked info about every Toronto candidate for mayor, councillor, and school trustee—in every ward, all in one place. For the June 26, 2023 mayoral by-election, visit Candidate Tracker 2023
The Deadly Inequality of Toronto’s Vision Zero Rollout
An investigation by The Local using FOI requests, city-wide speeding data, and analysis of council minutes, reveals a system that makes wealthy downtown neighbourhoods safer while leaving lower-income inner-suburban communities to fend for themselves.
The Mysterious French School Trustee Candidates Who Don’t Speak French
When parents at the Viamonde school board became suspicious of the only two trustee candidates running in their ward, they investigated. Now one candidate says he’s ready to resign, as the controversy threatens the legitimacy of the entire election.
After a Voided Election, A Surge of Interest in a French School Trustee Race
Last fall, a French school trustee election imploded when it emerged that no one running actually spoke French. Now the by-election in Viamonde Ward 3 — Centre has a crowded slate of eager candidates and an increase in voter enrollment.
Ward Profile: An Uphill Battle in Etobicoke North—Ford Country
After 22 years of representation by the Ford family, Ward 1 has the chance to elect a new voice.
Councillor Michael Thompson Is Facing Sexual Assault Allegations… Now What?
With the councillor facing charges, five low-profile challengers in Ward 21 — Scarborough Centre are hoping to break through the inertia of incumbency.
Ward Profile: The Next Councillor of Ward 9 — Davenport Will Need to Bridge Divides
In a ward spanning the inner suburbs and the inner city, a new crop of candidates try to go beyond the right-left political narrative.
New Downtown Councillors Will Have a Tough Job from Day One—Managing Development
With an exploding population, constant building, and wards the size of small towns, the candidates who win Toronto’s downtown seats will inherit problems, and possibilities.
Everything You Need to Know About School Trustees
We don’t elect people to oversee any other specific public service. But maybe we should?
Why Voting Will Never Be My First Priority
For people like me, voting often feels like an easy political act that changes little. My political engagement comes in other forms.
Call the Police… Then Wait
The Toronto Police take three times longer than they should to get to the most urgent emergencies. Why a $1.1 billion force doesn’t come when you need them.
Ward Profile: In Ward 16 — Don Valley East, Who Speaks for the Renters?
The majority of residents in Don Valley East rent. But in a city dominated by the politics of property owners, who will represent them?
Ward Profile: In a Tight Race in Willowdale, All Questions Lead to Housing
A controversial supportive housing project on Cummer Avenue has become a point of contention between the three lead candidates hoping to lead Ward 18.
Pulled Off Wheel-Trans and Forced onto the Subway
Cost-cutting measures will push thousands of paratransit users onto the TTC, with disabled and elderly riders forced into gruelling bus and subway trips.
The Gaping Holes in Our Election Accountability System
Who keeps Toronto’s elections honest? Just the motley collection of activists, weirdos, partisans, and nerds who use the compliance audit system.
How Toronto’s Councillors Became Nearly Unbeatable
The numbers don’t lie: this city’s incumbency advantage is the worst in North America.