Equal representation on council a concern
Neighbourhood groups worried their ‘voices aren’t going to be heard’
As the new, trimmed-down city council gets down to business, grassroots organizations from across the city are calling for more equitable representation on the city’s decision-making committees. Nearly 30 neighbourhood associations and community advocacy groups have written a letter to Mayor John Toryrequesting he ensure the standing committees have at least one representative from each of Toronto’s four community councils — Toronto & East York, Etobicoke York, North York and Scarborough.
“We want to see our city governed in a way that reflects our city,” the organizations wrote in a letter dated Dec. 10. “We implore you to ensure our city is governed inclusively, and that all boroughs have equitable representation in our civic decision-making process.”
While mayor Tory has yet to appoint members of his executive committee, council last week approved reducing its size and folding the previous seven standing committees into just four: community and economic development, general government and licensing, infrastructure and environment, and planning and housing.
These are the ones community organizations and associations are pushing to include councillors from all parts of the city, something they say hasn’t always been the case in the past.
Cycle Toronto’s executive director Jared Kolb said he re- members last term when former Beaches—East York councillor Mary-Margaret McMahon was replaced by Giorgio Mammoliti on the public works and infrastructure committee, which is responsible for the maintenance of the city’s roads and buildings among other things.
“She was the sole voice from the downtown ... A downtown voice was shut out from public works, and I think that had a bearing on the decision-making of that committee,” said Kolb, whose organization was one of those that sent the letter to Tory. As a frequent bike rider, pedestrian and public transit user, McMahon’s experiences reflected that of many downtown residents, Kolb said.
“Aside from concerns with the way in which Mammoliti approached the issues, I think the committee as a whole lost a really important voice after that transition,” he said.
The standing committees are where many issues “get hashed out,” where staff reports on major issues such as transportation and housing get presented and recommendations are adopted and sent to council for final approval, Kolb said. It is therefore important that every corner of the city be represented at that level, he said.
“With Premier (Doug) Ford’s cut to council, a more effective representation is even more vital in the 25-ward system,” he said.
Danforth Residents’ Association chair Roula Panagiotopoulos said the group plans to speak with Ward 14, Toronto-Danforth Councillor Paula Fletcher — who will serve as vice-chair for the newly formed Toronto and East York Community Council — to make sure the community’s pressing issues are brought to city council. Key items include security following a rash of violence this past summer, and discussions over the proposed relief line subway, she said.
“We want to ensure that Toronto-Danforth has a say in all the matters that are in front of the committees. It’s a simple request as we see it,” she said.
“With less and less members in committees and less and less committee oversight as well, we’re worried that our voices aren’t going to be heard.”
Other organizations that signed the letter include ACORN Toronto, CityPlace Residents’ Association, Scarborough Transit Action Network, Toronto Youth Cabinet and Walk Toronto.