Candidates

About Candidates

These are the candidates running in your ward of Spadina-Fort York. Click through the different candidates to learn more about their platforms, browse their social pages, website and more.

Ward 10: Spadina-Fort York Data

2021 Population
136,213
2nd of 25
Population growth 2016-2021
17.9%
1st of 25
Population under 15 years old
6.8%
25th of 25
Population over 64 years old
7.8%
25th of 25

Spadina-Fort York Candidates

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RA

Spadina-Fort York

Rocco Achampong

647-948-9398

Responses by Rocco Achampong

This candidate has not responded yet.

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RC

Spadina-Fort York

Robb Cooke

Responses by Robb Cooke

If elected as a City Councillor, what would be your top priority, and how will you address it?

General Question

Legalize small scale multiunit family apartment/condo buildings. It's unacceptable that we have either houses or towers. Buildings that are 3-5 storeys that fit into neighbourhoods on 1 or 2 lots. These will allow more families into areas where services already exist. We should avoid destruction of the numerous cherished small commercial strips at the same time. Over time buildings can be replaced by larger buildings that still allow for numerous small shops while allowing more families above. I will push developers to design in this way.

What should the next City Council do about housing in Toronto? Why?

Housing

Legalize smaller density buildings for families. We can't just have large scale towers everywhere obliterating commercial streets. Multiplexes should be allowed, as well parking requirements eased. Underground construction of parking is very expensive and a significant hurdle to small scale density. I would push for more units to have small car parking, bike parking and ease the requirement for unit parking especially for small scale development. I would also argue for development charges to costed to actual proposed strain on the system.

What should the next City Council do to mitigate the effects of climate change and reduce its progression? How?

Climate Action

Sprawl is a significant factor. I would push for density as well as subsidies for green building initiatives and urban farming. More community gardens/roof gardens as well as an enhanced green bin program. I would want more sustainable construction as well as a program for electric vehicle chargers to be on more streets. Enhanced bike share as well as subsidies for greener producers of goods. Transit infrastructure is key as well as integration between transit authorities. New buildings should have reduction in fees based on green/efficiency.

What should the next City Council do to improve the ability of the people of Toronto to get around safely and efficiently? How?

Getting Around the City

There needs to be an emphasis on upgrading capacity to relieve already overloaded lines. We should not be building subway extensions into other towns. Instead like the original Yonge streetcar that was replaced by a subway to ease congestion, we need to look at the routes with the highest strain and focus on easing that. Whether that means replacing vehicles, adding electric busses, additional vehicles or even burying the lines. We should focus on where people can't get around the most.

What should the next City Council do about the City of Toronto's approach to policing its residents and making our communities safe? Why?

Policing and Community Safety

We clearly have the funding and capacity to protect our city yet we all know its not working. We need to fundamentally redeploy those assets. A much greater emphasis on community and road safety. Much more protective infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists is needed. An increase in speed and red light cameras. Rather than rotate speed cameras them, they should be permanent. I would suppose traffic wardens as well as needed at intersections. I would increase requirements for traffic safety plans for construction sites and their enforcement.

Should the next City Council change anything about municipal taxes or city services? Why?

Taxes and Spending

Maintaining current services is paramount. Taxes are not the only source of city revenue and services are not the only cost. With the issues related to housing and community safety being what they are, tax increases are not necessarily the key priority. More housing units will mean more city revenue. Legalization of long term rentals and large condos for families will assist with funding services through tax. I think this is a much better approach to any budget issue rather than debate the relative merits of tax vs service for current payers.

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AE

Spadina-Fort York

April Engelberg

647-232-9696

Responses by April Engelberg

If elected as a City Councillor, what would be your top priority, and how will you address it?

General Question

Over 94% of ward residents (myself included) don't have a backyard. Most green space in this ward is on the Toronto Islands and our ferry system is slow, expensive and outdated. I will advocate to build a pedestrian and cycling lift bridge to the Islands so that all Torontonians can access our largest public park for free. The lift bridge would span the 250 meter Eastern Channel to connect the Port Lands to Ward's Island. We could bike to the Island from the TTC in less time than it takes to wait for a ferry!

What should the next City Council do about housing in Toronto? Why?

Housing

I support protections for tenants such as ensuring that rent can only increase on a yearly basis in accordance with inflation. I will work with the community and developers to build affordable housing in this ward and around this city. I will advocate for more supportive housing in the ward which is a real long-term solution to homelessess. I also support increasing our shelter system capacity.

What should the next City Council do to mitigate the effects of climate change and reduce its progression? How?

Climate Action

We need to install public organic green bins throughout the city and make them mandatory in apartment and condo buildings, restaurants and businesses. We also need better labelling on waste and recycling bins around the city, since reports show that 26% of what Torontonians put in the recycling bin is not recyclable and ends up as landfill. We need to support retrofitting more buildings to decrease emissions. Every decision we make at Toronto City Council needs to be made with the climate in mind.

What should the next City Council do to improve the ability of the people of Toronto to get around safely and efficiently? How?

Getting Around the City

Simple solutions can make our streets safer and easier for everyone. As a frequent TTC rider, pedestrian, cyclist and Uber/Lyft rider, I understand the issues from different perspectives. Let’s start with better signage, traffic light timing, and road markings. Bike lanes need concrete barriers for both cyclists and drivers. Construction projects should not take up lanes of traffic for years. Our streets need to be physically accessible to everyone. It’s time to make Vision Zero a reality.

Should the next City Council change anything about municipal taxes or city services? Why?

Taxes and Spending

I support increasing property taxes the same way we allow rental increases: in accordance with inflation. I support investing in city services and strongly believe that some of the most important policies (like bike lanes and parks) are well within the city's budget.

What should the next City Council do about the City of Toronto's approach to policing its residents and making our communities safe? Why?

Policing and Community Safety

I support the expansion of the mental health crisis response team pilot program that began earlier this year. I support legalizing drinking canned alcoholic beverages in parks. I believe that Toronto police need to focus on making our roads safe for everyone. Since 2019, there have been more traffic fatalities than homicides. Traffic Agents will be needed to keep traffic moving in our ward during the construction of the Ontario Line.

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KE

Spadina-Fort York

Kyle Enslen

647-546-5953

Responses by Kyle Enslen

If elected as a City Councillor, what would be your top priority, and how will you address it?

General Question

My top priority will be the missing middle; the policies and issues which affect them the most.

If elected as a City Councillor, what would be your top priority, and how will you address it?

General Question

My top priority will be the middle class; every aspect of life which affects that community living here. Transit, zoning, housing, is becoming increasingly unaffordable. By-laws need to be revised to better benefit community. I would push for strong policies which target the greedy, and use funds allocated towards affordable housing initiatives. I also want to introduce a city wide rent registry, to bring additional transparency to our housing market, and additional safety measures to those who are tenants.

What should the next City Council do about housing in Toronto? Why?

Housing

City council needs to be hard and innovative when dealing with the housing crisis. Additional taxes need to be put on those needlessly profiting on the housing market, and put those taxes towards affordable housing efforts. In addition, a rental registry needs to be introduced. Rental registries bring transparency to housing markets, as well help protect tenants from exploitative practices. Zoning laws need to be broadened to spread density throughout the city, and allow for the construction of low and mid rise buildings in less dense zones.

What should the next City Council do to mitigate the effects of climate change and reduce its progression? How?

Climate Action

We need to start an initiative to electric vehicle chargers into existing condos, in to encourage the change from combustion engine to electric. Legalize additional green transit, such as electric scooters and electric bikes, and support the infrastructure to make this additional transportation functional. Mandate efficient use of space, such as empty office buildings which run full AC during off hours. Our recycling system needs an overhaul, and a greater effort needs to be made to ensure we reuse when we can.

Should the next City Council change anything about municipal taxes or city services? Why?

Taxes and Spending

Yes, an increase in vacancy tax should be put on vacant homes and businesses, as encouragement to ensure homes are filled with people who need it, and businesses are operating and serving the community. The budget for specific city services need to be adjusted, trash collection can get disgusting on some days, and there were many problems with snow plow removal in the previous year. We need to ensure as well that emergency services are able to operate with the increasing population within our ward and city.

What should the next City Council do about the City of Toronto's approach to policing its residents and making our communities safe? Why?

Policing and Community Safety

It’s no mistake that there has been a massive divide between residents and the Toronto police service. A sense of community needs to be recuperated, and a good starting point would be more approachable friendly patrols. Having officers move around the city, taking transit, walking the parks, instead of authority figures attached to bikes or patrol cars. Along with this change however, I also want to introduce more relaxed by-laws which favor those of us who don't have access to a backyard or private outdoor space.

What should the next City Council do to improve the ability of the people of Toronto to get around safely and efficiently? How?

Getting Around the City

The city needs a transit overhaul, the city is often in gridlock, public transport is slow, expensive and is often unreliable. We need to look externally at how other communities have fixed these problems around the world, and adapt the ones which would work in Toronto. Improved bike infrastructure, new by-laws involving the use of smaller electronic transport vehicles, public transit corridors cheaper transit and free transit for students and youths under the age of 18.

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PG

Spadina-Fort York

Peter George

(416) 454-0051

Responses by Peter George

If elected as a City Councillor, what would be your top priority, and how will you address it?

General Question

Absolute first priority, engage with the community, residents and advocates and develop a permanent solution for people without shelter. Temporary and band aid solutions have proven thus far, it does not work. Our office will prove, which we have already, we answer our phone, live, return calls and emails. Follow up and follow through are key and tantamount to success. You the residents of Spadina Fort York are the customers and I will be your advocate. My role as councillor is to represent you and your concerns.

What should the next City Council do about housing in Toronto? Why?

Housing

Affordable ownership and rent to own is the best way of answering this question. This is a topic I have been advocating for quite some time. People, residents, renters and those who want to live and work downtown need a permanent solution. There is hope and I will be the one who champions this effort. Follow up and follow through is the key to success. It is my intention to take that same work ethic to City Hall.

What should the next City Council do to mitigate the effects of climate change and reduce its progression? How?

Climate Action

The City of Toronto needs to follow best practices of corporations and government (municipal, provincial, federal, and state) and advocates of climate change, their policies and goals. This is not a new topic and why any government or corporation is not implementing this, is beyond my fathom.

What should the next City Council do to improve the ability of the people of Toronto to get around safely and efficiently? How?

Getting Around the City

Safety and gun violence has reached a point that it is becoming untenable to walk, live and travel in Spadina Fort York. There are people that I know, friends, who will take an Uber or a taxi 10 blocks because they do not feel safe, that is wrong. Council and the Mayor's Office need to step up their game and make Toronto a safe City, not only for their residents but people who visit us from all over the world. We want our reputation to be a safe one, not dangerous.

Should the next City Council change anything about municipal taxes or city services? Why?

Taxes and Spending

I am huge advocate of a long term plan and vision for the City of Toronto. I have yet to hear of 0 through 50 year plan for the City of Toronto. It is my want that if taxes need to be raised for a specific project or vision, it needs to be fully costed and allocated. Raising taxes for the sake of raising taxes is not a solution. Why? The money will not find its home and that is a problem. As well, we need to listen to tax payers of what they do not like on how the City of Toronto delivers services and how to improve. Ask the people who use it.

What should the next City Council do about the City of Toronto's approach to policing its residents and making our communities safe? Why?

Policing and Community Safety

I have answered this question above. The City should not "police" its residents. That is wrong. The City needs to enforce and protect its residents. You, the taxpayers. Bylaw and police officers need to uphold their oath of office they took when sworn in to uphold the laws of Canada, Province of Ontario and the City of Toronto. Council needs to remind them to do this and take action. To not do so, is wrong. The City needs to lead and stress the importance of this.

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AM

Spadina-Fort York

Ausma Malik

Responses by Ausma Malik

If elected as a City Councillor, what would be your top priority, and how will you address it?

General Question

Housing affordability is my biggest priority. We must make the best possible use of our public lands for deeply affordable, rental and non-profit housing. We should identify more opportunities for City purchases of land to build new affordable housing, and maintain our current stock. We must raise the vacant homes tax and end exclusionary zoning. I will fight to expand rent supplements and the rent bank to prevent evictions and keep people housed. We must strengthen the RentSafeTO program to protect renters and ensure buildings are safe.

What should the next City Council do about housing in Toronto? Why?

Housing

Housing in Toronto has for too long been treated as a tool to build wealth for big developers and the wealthy. What’s needed now is is a major shift in the balance of power and the political will to get the job done. Council needs strong advocates focused on the enforcement of Toronto's short-term rental regulations, with the goal of returning the city's ghost hotel inventory to the housing market. I also plan to continue to advocate for real rent control to the provincial government so renters have the protections they deserve.

What should the next City Council do to mitigate the effects of climate change and reduce its progression? How?

Climate Action

We must address the enormous climate impact of emissions from our buildings by ensuring we are on track to achieve our TransformTO target of net zero emissions from all buildings by 2030. This means prioritizing building retrofits and achieving the latest green efficiency standards for new builds. Fuel switching must be a priority for home heating and water heating, ending our reliance on natural gas and switching to electric air pump space heating and water heating. We must continue investing in quality transit to take cars off the road.

Should the next City Council change anything about municipal taxes or city services? Why?

Taxes and Spending

In a city like ours, we all deserve to have what we need to thrive. We need to protect and expand our public services including childcare and recreation centres, libraries, and green and accessible public spaces that work for all. We must use progressive revenue tools to ensure the city is on sound financial footing and can deliver the services upon which we all rely. I oppose increases to user fees that limit access to public services and will vote against any efforts to outsource or privatize our public services.

What should the next City Council do to improve the ability of the people of Toronto to get around safely and efficiently? How?

Getting Around the City

We must take cars off the road to meet our climate goals and ensure that residents can take more trips by other means. This means encouraging greater transit use and active transportation as attractive first choices. We should invest in more buses and streetcars to move more people more quickly around our City, and continue to invest in building and maintaining our cycling infrastructure. It's critical that our streets are safe and accessible for everyone, regardless of their age or stage of life, so we can all make use of the City we love.

What should the next City Council do about the City of Toronto's approach to policing its residents and making our communities safe? Why?

Policing and Community Safety

Our current approach to policing is insufficient. I will advocate for the reallocation of police resources to ensure traffic moves smoothly and safely and to support alternative responses to mental health, addiction, and homelessness. We should invest in safe consumption sites that keep our neighbours safe and healthy. We must expand community-led safety initiatives and the Toronto Community Crisis Service, which mobilizes crisis response teams across the city and responds to people in mental health crisis without involving the police.

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KN

Spadina-Fort York

Karlene Nation

416-580-0675

Responses by Karlene Nation

This candidate has not responded yet.

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LN

Spadina-Fort York

Laura-Maria Nikolareizi

647-703-7378

Responses by Laura-Maria Nikolareizi

What should the next City Council do to mitigate the effects of climate change and reduce its progression? How?

Climate Action

Climate change is the catalyst to rethink how we govern.Small actions-the way we consume,move,power our daily life,& eat.Every issue has systemic causes,fanning out like a web linking the personal to the global&the micro w/ the macro.It takes a village to pursue partnerships.We need net-zero technologies & products as affordable as carbon-emitting versions.The pillars to reach this goal are Energy Consumption & Production,Mobility,&City Administration Incentives which will cultivate Live, Work,Play,Move&Prosper-#Generation TO.

What should the next City Council do about housing in Toronto? Why?

Housing

Housing #Generation TO must be accessible to multigeneration,diverse,& inclusive groups that will have impact.Safe,stable,&affordable housing cannot be a privilege,it is fundamental.5 key pillars I will advocate—transforming affordable homeownership & wealth creation, addressing homelessness housing instability, creating & preserving affordable housing, improving the health & safety,&reducing redtape 4 builders. Leaning on great partners will change lives &Toronto must be a place to Live,Work,Play,Move &Prosper regardless of income.

What should the next City Council do about the City of Toronto's approach to policing its residents and making our communities safe? Why?

Policing and Community Safety

As a committee member of the 52 Division Community Police Liaison Committee,I have a front row seat to see what are uniform & civilian members face every day on the job.I understand violence in our city as a resident,parent &community influencer.We need to deploy more officers on the streets & in the subways.#Neighbourhood Safety Teams#HireMore Police.We must act now.#Stop The Violence. We need immediate interventions & long-term prevention strategies to support public safety in our neighbourhoods to Live,Work,Play,Move, & Prosper.

Should the next City Council change anything about municipal taxes or city services? Why?

Taxes and Spending

City services should operate under intelligent & responsive smart city to tackle issues facing our urban areas from traffic noise,air quality,waste management,registering for programs,& other city services.Residents deserve service excellence from public entities.The city should intergrate cryptocurrency to pay taxes & other city services.It is a game-changer for revenue collection& can be the new way to fund & support city programs.This will make our cities greener,equitable & more efficient to Live,Work,Play,Move,&Prosper

What should the next City Council do to improve the ability of the people of Toronto to get around safely and efficiently? How?

Getting Around the City

Transit-oriented development promotes mixed-used development around public transport services,enabling no reliance on cars.Fast,frequent & reliable public-transport connections to other neighbourhoods & centres of work remain important to enable car-free access to jobs, friends, family, & entertainment in other parts of the city. We need to upgrade walking & cycling infrastructure to better serve the daily, local trips of Generation TO & expand green space in every neighbourhood.#Don’t Do Traffic,#15minCity…Live, Work, Play, Move & Prosper

If elected as a City Councillor, what would be your top priority, and how will you address it?

General Question

We need fresh thinking,new solutions through collaboration & outreach via #Generation TO .We are facing alot of issues to tackle in urban life today.Here's the plan to improve quality of life:smart city,digital currency,creating green zones w/ parks & vertical farming,investment care centre,alternative mobility & urban planning,more police& firefighters,sustainable finance & green economics,cultural activities,sporting events, affordable homeownership/housing,& climate action. Live, Work, Play, Move & Prosper

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AP

Spadina-Fort York

Arber Puci

Responses by Arber Puci

If elected as a City Councillor, what would be your top priority, and how will you address it?

General Question

The reality for many residents, is that the nearby park becomes your backyard and the community centre becomes your play room. It is these public spaces that make our neighborhoods livable. It is apparent that there simply are not enough parks, and they are not being maintained properly. The city of Toronto has largely failed to create new parks and public open spaces sufficient to accommodate the needs of the tens of thousands of residents that reside there. We need to increase park space via zoning and properly maintain our current parks.

What should the next City Council do about housing in Toronto? Why?

Housing

Housing affordability should not be a privilege but a right. Toronto rent prices have increased to an all-time high with no end in sight. The city should ensure that rent control remains in place and maintain low property taxes for those who own. The last couple of years thousands of new units have been built as affordable rental units as part of the current Poverty Reduction Plan. We need to increase awareness and accessibility to these affordable rental units so people in need can apply and utilize them.

What should the next City Council do to mitigate the effects of climate change and reduce its progression? How?

Climate Action

For the city to reach carbon neutrality, the steps are: • Improve public transportation to ensure it is fast and efficient with continued investment in public transit. • Increase access and improve infrastructure and safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and all new forms of carbon free transportation. • Increase local renewable energy by increasing its compatibility with current buildings. • Boosting EV infrastructure throughout the city. • Provide incentives for people to drive electric vehicles through the town to help lower the pollution.

What should the next City Council do to improve the ability of the people of Toronto to get around safely and efficiently? How?

Getting Around the City

As our city grows, more people are using our sidewalks, roads, streetcars, subways to get around. The city plans where offices, homes, and stores get built. This has a big impact on how we get around. Putting more jobs and homes close to major transit stations decreases commuting times. Currently, we need to improve our public transportation to ensure it is fast and efficient and safety for pedestrians, cyclists and all new forms of carbon free travel. We need a council that is proactive and not reactive in planning for the future.

Should the next City Council change anything about municipal taxes or city services? Why?

Taxes and Spending

Toronto rent prices have increased to a new time high. The city should ensure that the rent control remains in place for those who rent and maintain low property taxes for those who own. Inflation is growing rapidly making everything expensive, including the cost of maintaining the city. By increasing taxes to make up the deficit we are just passing the burden to the residents without improving. We need a smart council where they can manage the money properly and find ways to get more value for money then before while keeping the taxes low.

What should the next City Council do about the City of Toronto's approach to policing its residents and making our communities safe? Why?

Policing and Community Safety

This Ward has seen a large increase of crime and violence year after year. More focus and emphasis are required from the city to curb the crime in the city. Each neighbourhood in the ward needs a community safety program. As a city we should push the other levels of government to enforce a handgun ban. The City has acknowledged systemic discrimination within its policing. This includes the need for reform to ensure public safety for all Toronto residents. This will require a systematic review and continous improvement.

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IS

Spadina-Fort York

Igor Samardzic

Responses by Igor Samardzic

This candidate has not responded yet.

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SS

Spadina-Fort York

Stephanie Soltermann

437-267-8374

Responses by Stephanie Soltermann

This candidate has not responded yet.

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AZ

Spadina-Fort York

Andrei Zodian

647-573-9782

Responses by Andrei Zodian

This candidate has not responded yet.