Beautifying and Animating Vacant Development Sites: Saving Pickleball at Yonge-Rosehill

As more approved development sites across Toronto sit vacant due to the stalled condo market, I am advocating for interim community uses like public courts, markets, and pop-up programming that keep neighbourhoods vibrant and safe. A successful example is the public racket courts at Yonge and Rosehill, which are now at risk because the Province’s property assessment system reclassified the site as commercial, triggering a major tax increase. I introduced a motion directing City staff to explore policy solutions that support interim uses and to urgently work with the Province and MPAC to protect the Yonge-Rosehill courts so the space can continue serving thousands of local residents.

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I successfully pushed the City to move forward with a plan to expand food and beverage options in Toronto parks, helping make our public spaces more vibrant and community-oriented. The strategy includes creating more opportunities for local and diverse vendors, reviewing existing contracts, and ensuring supports like waste management and public washrooms are considered. I also introduced a motion to pilot park kiosks in Toronto–St. Paul’s, inspired by successful models in cities like New York, to create welcoming gathering spaces where residents can enjoy food, coffee, and community in our parks.

Doug Ford’s plan to bring jets to Billy Bishop Airport could significantly reshape Toronto’s waterfront, including potential expropriation of Little Norway Park and parts of the Toronto Islands for expansion. New details point to major impacts, including 10 million annual passengers, up to 400% traffic increases at Bathurst and Lakeshore, reduced housing capacity in the Port Lands, and a projected cost of up to $5 billion, alongside serious questions about economic benefits and public health impacts from increased emissions. In response, I successfully moved a motion requiring Toronto Public Health to update its study on the health impacts of jets, and I will continue pushing for transparency, evidence-based decision-making, and meaningful public consultation.

Since first introducing a motion in 2012 to establish a maximum indoor temperature standard for rental housing, I have continued pushing the City to act as summers become hotter and more dangerous for tenants, especially seniors. After yet another delay from staff, I introduced an amendment requiring a by-law framework to be brought forward next month, including options to prevent costs from being passed on to tenants through above-guideline rent increases. I will continue fighting to ensure the City finally takes action to protect renters from unsafe indoor heat.

Take action

Investing In Our Community: Demand Toronto's Fair Share of the HST
Protect Our Democracy: Demand the Reversal of Doug Ford’s Changes to Ontario’s Elections
Have Your Voice Heard: Participate in the Official Billy Bishop Consultation
Sign the Petition: Protect Tenants' Affordability and Security
Stop Doug Ford’s TTC Takeover
Open Old City Hall to the Public and Create a Museum of Toronto
Demanding a Public Inquiry into the Eglinton LRT Fiasco
Sign the Petition for Pedestrian Streets in Toronto