The number of candidates in this year’s election has hit a record low. Here’s why that’s bad for Toronto.

The low number of candidates stepping forward means there’s a noticeable decline in fresh ideas for running the city.

#Opinion by Matt Elliott torstar.co/BVL950KfRiC

This is a sobering read that concludes: 'The numbers suggest civic engagement is on the decline. It’s hard not to worry about what that means for Toronto’s future.'

My Toronto Star column: with less than two weeks before the registration deadline, Toronto is set to have fewer people running for council than in any election in recent history. Some incumbents may win by default.

I’m worried about what this means.

thestar.com/opinion/contri…

From @graphicmatt-
'The number of candidates in this year’s election has hit a record low. Here’s why that’s bad for Toronto

The numbers suggest civic engagement is on the decline. It’s hard not to worry about what that means for Toronto’s future.'

thestar.com/opinion/contri…

Call me a grump, but this glamour shot where the cops have driven a police car into the middle of a park is bad.

If you live in Toronto, your tax dollars are paying the officer who hit a cyclist in High Park $281,031 a year to write tickets to people riding bikes in High Park. ontariosunshinelist.com/people/blain-d…

Also recommended for heritage designation: 625 Yonge Street. It was an auto dealer, the second-ever Canadian Tire store (located right across the street from the first-ever Canadian Tire store), and Komrads nightclub. Developer seeks to demolish it. app.toronto.ca/tmmis/viewAgen…

Lawyer defending drunk driver who crashed & killed a person (and injured two others) says stiffer sentences won’t reduce impaired driving. “The only way we’re going to stop it is to increase enforcement by putting a RIDE spot check on every corner.” Bleak. thestar.com/news/gta/2022/…

Speaking of renders, I am calling for a moratorium on developers and architects showing trees everywhere in their designs. Toronto can’t keep simple street trees alive. We’re not going to get tall timbers next to a ZARA. blogto.com/real-estate-to…

Build it and they will come.

Check your inbox: it’s @cityhallwatcher #186!

This week: LOBBYIST. WATCH.

A former Doug Ford staffer lobbies for the Ontario Place mega-spa, a food delivery app tries for home-cooked meals, consultant firm KPMG plays for the World Cup & more!

toronto.cityhallwatcher.com/p/chw186