Crisis Looms as Aging Booms: Creating a Path Forward to Age in Place

It is crucial that the City develop a comprehensive plan to support aging in place now. In 2016, Toronto crossed a demographic turning point with more people living in our city over the age of 65 than under 15. Subsequently, the percentage of our population over 65 has only increased—from 15.6 percent in 2016, to 17.1 percent in 2021, to an estimated 21.2 percent in 2041. This will place Toronto in the same category as “super aged” societies like Japan, where one in five people is a senior citizen.

I'm pleased to share that our motion which was co-written by University Health Network's NORC Innovation Centre on creating new paths to allow for more older adults to age in place, passed unanimously. To learn more about my motion, please click here. We owe it to our seniors to take the necessary steps to better support seniors to age in place through a coordinated Naturally Occurring Retirement Community plan.

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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