The plan for Ward 19

I'll get transit moving where it isn't working. At Queen and Kingston, the 501 streetcar gets stuck and traffic backs up. Transferring to an electric bus at this junction would ease congestion and cut fuel costs. A reliable 501 route would lead to more riders and fewer cars.

The TTC should be safe, reliable, clean and easy to use for everyone. I'll back transit safety so people feel good about riding it again. And when transit feels safe, more people leave the car at home.

Biking is cheap, healthy and practical. Most of our bike lanes get used and looked after — they should stay. I support the repeal of Bill 212. And I'm glad the July Charter Challenge protected our lanes. A good network doesn't need to double up. In our ward the Eastern Ave lanes overlap safer routes on Lakeshore and Danforth/Dundas, so I'll push to consolidate onto the safer ones. And e-bikes over 50 km/h belong on the road with a licence — not in the bike lane.

The East End has been cut off too long. Everyone wants it reconnected — the difference is knowing how it actually gets done. I've read the real plans, I know who has carriage, and I'll be straight about what can start now and what's years out.

I've always said there should be no jets on the Island Airport. I'm glad the federal government stopped the provincial move to expand Billy Bishop and I support the repeal of Bill 110. The debate isn't over and with my waterfront experience, I know what's at stake. The land should be returned to the City.

Major parks should have public washrooms open through the day, year-round. In winter, parks like Taylor Creek Park need proper snow and ice clearing so they stay usable. I'll keep parks clean with routine garbage pickup, plus targeted cleanups after big events — Canada Day parades, holiday fireworks and concerts. On hot days, I'll ensure there's access to water at public festivals and events.

Our parks should feel alive. I'll promote art and music shows that bring the community together and show off local talent. Vibrant spaces make the whole ward better.

We have a lively Bangladeshi community in Ward 19. Like Greektown, Chinatown and Little Italy, I'll support an official Bangla Town designation to back local businesses and community initiatives. It's a part of who our ward is.

I'll stand firmly against dynamic food pricing that pushes up our grocery bills. I'll also fight for more grocery stores so the east end doesn't become a food desert.

I'm empathetic to homelessness and believe that housing is a human right, but parks shouldn't bear the burden. Clearing encampments with nowhere for people to go is just pushing them elsewhere. I'll support timely, respectful bylaw and police enforcement, paired with a real housing offer. The City should never do one without the other.