Save and Protect Toronto…

Save and Protect

Toronto and the GTA is projected to become one of North America’s largest urban centres. What kind of city will it be?

Development proposals should be considered if they meet criteria for building a better city, based on “compact urban form, with its social, environmental and economic benefits.” (Globe and Mail Jack Diamond obituary November 3, 2022.)

Housing must focus on affordability with rent geared to income. It should be planned for car-free mobility (i.e. walking, cycling, convenient public transportation). There is ample opportunity for this along roads that already have the infrastructure and services in place. These roads could be transformed into beautiful boulevards with vibrant street life.

Our urban planners and conservation authorities must be able to authorise proposals that meet the types of development and housing that are necessary and will stand the test of time, and to reject proposals that do not meet these criteria. Urban development is too vital to be dictated by “market forces”.

Finally, I believe that an overwhelming majority of Ontarians want all of our green spaces protected for future generations to enjoy. If squandered, they will never be able to regain it.

Will our elected officials stand firm and sanction development that promotes an equitable, livable city/province? One that our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will be grateful for?