CITY ISSUES: Homelessness, traffic on the minds of mayoral hopefuls
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Some mayoral candidates were out on the streets on Sunday, discussing everything from housing to congestion.
Olivia Chow announced her plans to fight homelessness by creating a 24-hour respite access facility.
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“You can go there and find the resources you need, get the help you need, have a meal, have a shower and get your feet on the ground,” Chow said. “Maybe even get your ID because sometimes on the streets you loose everything. Get the counselling you need and find a place, a shelter over your head.”
Chow was also endorsed by Councillor Alejandra Bravo.
Mark Saunders made an announcement about congestion on city streets.
“On Day 1, I will open up King St. to all traffic while Queen St. is under construction and I will limit the number of weekend closures that cripple movement in our city. I will speed up road construction. We are going to add extra shifts, double shifts in the summer and get the work to move faster,” Saunders said.
“I will also create a new position of traffic commissioner. That traffic commissioner will report directly to the mayor and city manager. This person would be responsible for making sure traffic is the No. 1 priority.”
Brad Bradford said that as mayor he will force the federal government to fund refugee support programs, including housing options, so people fleeing war zones aren’t forced to be homeless in Toronto.
“The federal government is not doing its job to help refugees and asylum-seekers and real human consequences are being felt today,” said Bradford. “Toronto’s homeless shelters are not the Canadian dream refugees and asylum-seekers expect when arriving here.”
“If the feds funded Toronto like they dole out money to Quebec, our city could build more supportive housing, get people in distress the support they need and renew Toronto’s proud tradition of welcoming refugees from around the world to rebuild their lives here after fleeing war and persecution.”
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On Sunday, Josh Matlow tweeted, “As your Mayor, I’ll fight to keep the Science Centre where it belongs, for the Flemingdon Park &
Thorncliffe communities. Local residents rely on it for jobs, kids go there for educational opportunities.”
Meanwhile, Ana Bailao tweeted, “A little bit of rain couldn’t stop TeamBailao from knocking doors and getting out the vote in York South-Weston. We shared my plan to fix services, build housing, and make life more affordable while keeping taxes low — here and across Toronto.”
Anthony Furey was canvassing in Scarborough, while Mitzie Hunter had no planned announcements.
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