How the Greenbelt Scandal Is Quietly Shaping Ontario’s 2025 Provincial Election
The controversial and now-reversed plan to build homes on the protected area around Toronto marred the Doug Ford government’s second term—and the saga is far from over.
Doug Ford, City Builder
Unafraid to spend heavily—and break things—Doug Ford is determined to leave his mark on the city that wouldn’t have him as mayor.
Toronto’s Encampments, By the Numbers
Recent analysis by The Local shows just how widespread encampments have become, and how the City’s clearing efforts simply pushed unhoused Torontonians from one park to another.
Life Expectancy Varies by Almost 12 Years Across Toronto Neighbourhoods
A joint project by The Local and St. Michael’s Hospital, the first-ever neighbourhood-level analysis of life expectancy in Toronto, reveals stark disparities across the city.
The Creeping Threat to Trans Rights in Toronto
Toronto is seen by many as a progressive bastion, but as anti-trans sentiment grips right-wing politics abroad and in Canada—including here in Ontario’s biggest city—local advocates are bracing themselves.
The Flow of Money: What Southern Ontario’s Nature Is Worth
Talk about a green economy might evoke images of solar panels and carbon capture. But work to conserve and restore ecosystems is already driving economic activity
What We Found at Three Canadian GFL Locations
Dead fish in North Stormont, conflicting stories in Abbotsford, and a mysterious, unbearable stench in Hamilton.
Royal Bank of Canada on the Defensive Over Criticism of Fossil Fuel Financing
Accused of being Canada’s biggest financial backer of fossil fuel projects, the bank is feeling the heat—even if it doesn’t say that publicly.
Minor Tweaks to Road Safety Policy Won’t Get Us to Zero
City council just approved a series of changes to Toronto’s Vision Zero program—but the improvements fail to address a key weakness in the way the program is run.
Where Toronto’s Mayoral Candidates Stand on Public Safety
It's one of the city's most complex policy problems, and a political lightning rod. Here's what the platforms of frontrunners in the mayoral race—Olivia Chow, Mark Saunders, Josh Matlow, Mitzie Hunter, Brad Bradford, and Anthony Furey—say about making Toronto safer.
How Toronto’s Mayoral Candidates Plan to Address the Housing Crisis
From staying the course, to supply-based approaches, to getting the city back in the business of building, here’s how Toronto’s mayoral hopefuls promise to fix housing.
The Chief Concern with Mark Saunders
Toronto’s former police chief has run his campaign for mayor almost exclusively on a law and order platform. In a city grappling with its relationship with the police, does Saunders’ service record help or hinder his chances?
Post-Tory Toronto: What Happens Next?
A by-election, an interim mayor, uncertainty around the budget, and the first real race of the “strong mayor” era—what John Tory’s resignation means for Toronto politics.
Understanding John Tory’s Proposed Budget
The first budget of the “strong mayor” era doesn’t do enough to address the city’s long-standing problems.
How York Memorial Students Got Blamed for the TDSB’s Mistakes
Sensational reports about violence have dominated the narrative around York Memo, ignoring the reality of how, despite warnings, the Board’s decisions have devastated students' access to education.
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.
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.
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: 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.
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?