Creating and Strengthening RentSafe to Protect Tenants

Creating the Tenant Issues Committee to Give Renters a Voice

From 2014 to 2018, I helped establish and lead the Tenant Issues Committee - a dedicated space at City Hall where tenants could directly shape the policies that impact their lives. With over 50% of Toronto residents living in rental housing, this committee ensured renters had a seat at the table. It advised City Council on everything from rent increases, property standards, and tenant advocacy funding, to key housing policies like Tower Renewal and the Tenant Defence Fund. The committee was a critical step in making sure Toronto’s housing decisions reflect the real needs of its renters.

Curbing Auto Theft and Improving Neighbourhood Safety

Auto theft and home invasions have surged, putting many residents on edge. In response, I’ve worked closely with Toronto Police and moved a successful motion at City Council urging federal and provincial governments to adopt stronger vehicle security standards and close loopholes that enable vehicle registration fraud. I'm also collaborating with the Insurance Bureau of Canada to push for policy reforms to reduce costs for everyday Ontarians. While there’s been progress, more work is needed - and I’m committed to getting it done.

Save Our School Pools

Toronto’s school pools are once again under threat due to chronic underfunding by the Province. I co-led a motion at City Council with Councillor Rachel Chernos Lin calling on the Ontario government to protect these essential facilities. Pools provide children with vital swimming skills and offer accessible recreation for residents of all ages. Our communities shouldn’t have to fight every few years to protect something so important—so we’re taking action

You can sign my Save our Pools petition to call on your MPP: https://www.joshmatlow.ca/saveourpools