Matt Elliott
graphicmatt.com
Matt Elliott
@graphicmatt.com
City columnist, contributing to the Toronto Star & writing the award-winning City Hall Watcher newsletter. A lot about Toronto Politics and then some nerd stuff. Humber College prof. (he/him)
I get that no one wants to remember the pandemic — for good reason! — but in 2020 the city installed 24 km of bikeways basically overnight. Faster things are possible! www.toronto.ca/explore-enjo...
ActiveTO - Expanding the Cycling Network
Find a Bike Share Toronto station on and around ActiveTO routes. Download the PBSC app for a contactless way to get started. The ActiveTO temporary cycling network aims to allow people on bikes to mov...
www.toronto.ca
November 4, 2025 at 4:58 PM
Perks’ motion to delete the plan for expanded retail permissions within neighbourhoods CARRIES with only Matlow opposed. (In favour: Perks, Bradford, Crisanti, Myers, Nunziata.)

But the proposal for expanded retail permissions on “major streets” does go forward to Council for consideration.
October 30, 2025 at 7:57 PM
Councillor Gord Perks, chair of the planning committee, moves to delete recommendation 2 in the report, that would have expanded permissions for retail in “neighbourhood interiors.”
October 30, 2025 at 7:24 PM
Unfortunately, the xenomorph’s human reprentative is opposed to expanding permissions to legalize more corner stores.
October 30, 2025 at 6:33 PM
If somehow the Ford gov reverses course on the speed cam ban, drivers will be left with significant concessions: they’ll know they can go 10 km/h over the limit when the cameras are operating, and as fast as they want on nights and weekends.
October 22, 2025 at 1:43 PM
From the same 1950 story: “City council should press the provincial government to call a provincial-municipal conference to get a fairer division of financial responsibilities between the province and municipalities.” Time is a flat circle.
October 15, 2025 at 3:29 PM
Here’s a clip of the October 21, 1950 Star story I reference in my column about council candidates pushing for traffic solutions. We’re in year 75 of muni candidates including “synchronize traffic lights!” in their platforms. It’s not so easy. (Also still common: promises of more parking.)
October 15, 2025 at 3:27 PM
Speaking of giving thanks, if you want to say thanks for this thread and my independent city hall coverage, consider a paid subscription to my newsletter, City Hall Watcher.

It's the best way to keep tabs on municipal government. And it keeps me going.

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October 10, 2025 at 12:01 AM