Today we sent two letters to our local representatives regarding the tabling of the Better Local Government Act by the Government of Ontario.
SENT: Jul 30, 2018
Christine Hogarth
Etobicoke-Lakeshore MPP
Sent by email to: christine.hogarthco@pc.ola.org
Re: Implications of the ‘Better Local Government Act’
Dear MPP Hogarth,
On behalf of the Mimico Residents Association (“the MRA”), this letter formally documents our concerns
regarding the proposed ‘Better Local Government Act’ which includes a plan to reduce the size of
Toronto’s City Council. The MRA has had a long history of working effectively with all levels of government
related to local initiatives and areas of concern to Mimico. However, as residents of the City of Toronto,
our most direct connection to local services and programs is through our local City Councillor.
Currently, Mimico is located in Toronto’s Ward 6, comprised of 67,555 residents as of the 2016 census. If
the proposed plan proceeds, the new merged ward will double in size, to approximately 129,000
residents. Given that Ward 6 is already growing at a higher rate than the rest of the City of Toronto, we
can expect these numbers to increase in the coming years. With this increase in ward size, the MRA is
deeply concerned that our local representative at City Hall will be unreachable and disconnected from
local issues.
Mimico is a growing, thriving neighbourhood. With that growth comes challenges to ensure well-planned,
sustainable development, considerations for transit and traffic issues, and affordable housing. Having a
local councillor who is accessible and connected to the community is essential to ensure that local voices
are heard.
Municipal governance is an extremely complex and important issue, and we strongly believe that further
discussion and community consultation on this issue is warranted. On behalf of the Mimico community,
we formally request that one of your first actions as our new MPP is to stand up for us at Queen’s Park
and advocate strongly for an evidence-based process, including consultation with Toronto residents, on
any changes to the number of Toronto City Councillors.
We look forward to your prompt reply regarding this urgent issue.
Sincerely,
Chris Moore
President
Mimico Residents Association
Cc: Premier Doug Ford, Mayor John Tory, Councillor Mark Grimes
SENT: July 30, 2018
Councillor Mark Grimes
Toronto City Hall
100 Queen Street West
Toronto, Ontario M5H 2N2
councillor_grimes@toronto.ca
Re: Implications of the ‘Better Local Government Act’
Dear Councillor Grimes,
On behalf of the Mimico Residents Association (“the MRA”), this letter formally documents our concerns
regarding the Ontario government’s proposed ‘Better Local Government Act’ which includes a plan to
reduce the size of Toronto’s City Council. The MRA has had a long history of working effectively with all
levels of government related to local initiatives and areas of concern to Mimico. However, as residents of
the City of Toronto, our most direct connection to local services and programs is through you, our City
Councillor for Ward 6.
Municipal governance is an extremely complex and important issue, and we strongly believe that further
discussion and community consultation on this issue is warranted. On behalf of the Mimico community,
we formally request that as our elected representative to City Council you speak out against this decision
and its impact on Toronto’s autonomy, and add your voice to others calling for an evidence informed
approach which includes community consultations on any changes to the number of Toronto City
Councillors.
We look forward to your prompt reply regarding this urgent issue.
Sincerely,
Chris Moore
President
Mimico Residents Association
Cc: Premier Doug Ford, MPP Christine Hogarth, Mayor John Tory
I would be happy if Mark Grimes actually listened to his constituents. I’m new to this area and have been hearing from neighbours that he is pushing for a pavilion at Humber Bay West even though there is lot’s of opposition.
Excellent work thanks for voicing our concerns.