@zakls.bsky.social
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🚀 Announcing Build Toronto
Toronto is Canada’s largest city, its economic engine, and its greatest opportunity. If Toronto thrives, Canada thrives. But we all know the city faces deep challenges: unaffordable housing, strained infrastructure, governance gridlock, and a lack of urgency.
Toronto is Canada’s largest city, its economic engine, and its greatest opportunity. If Toronto thrives, Canada thrives. But we all know the city faces deep challenges: unaffordable housing, strained infrastructure, governance gridlock, and a lack of urgency.
September 16, 2025 at 1:26 PM
🚀 Announcing Build Toronto
Toronto is Canada’s largest city, its economic engine, and its greatest opportunity. If Toronto thrives, Canada thrives. But we all know the city faces deep challenges: unaffordable housing, strained infrastructure, governance gridlock, and a lack of urgency.
Toronto is Canada’s largest city, its economic engine, and its greatest opportunity. If Toronto thrives, Canada thrives. But we all know the city faces deep challenges: unaffordable housing, strained infrastructure, governance gridlock, and a lack of urgency.
Reposted
🌆🏗️ BIG NEWS🚀
I am thrilled to take on a new (volunteer) role as Chair of @build_toronto, the first municipal project of @build_canada
We’ll be working with civic & business leaders to push for ideas that improve governance, growth, prosperity, and opportunity in Toronto.
(Vid cut to 3M)
I am thrilled to take on a new (volunteer) role as Chair of @build_toronto, the first municipal project of @build_canada
We’ll be working with civic & business leaders to push for ideas that improve governance, growth, prosperity, and opportunity in Toronto.
(Vid cut to 3M)
September 16, 2025 at 1:54 PM
🌆🏗️ BIG NEWS🚀
I am thrilled to take on a new (volunteer) role as Chair of @build_toronto, the first municipal project of @build_canada
We’ll be working with civic & business leaders to push for ideas that improve governance, growth, prosperity, and opportunity in Toronto.
(Vid cut to 3M)
I am thrilled to take on a new (volunteer) role as Chair of @build_toronto, the first municipal project of @build_canada
We’ll be working with civic & business leaders to push for ideas that improve governance, growth, prosperity, and opportunity in Toronto.
(Vid cut to 3M)
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To figure out what's allowed, you need to know three things: (1) the map that outlines the MTSA around the station (usually drawn by the City; some amended by the province), (2) distance from the transit station, (3) the existing land use designation (eg. low-rise Neighbourhood).
August 16, 2025 at 5:03 PM
To figure out what's allowed, you need to know three things: (1) the map that outlines the MTSA around the station (usually drawn by the City; some amended by the province), (2) distance from the transit station, (3) the existing land use designation (eg. low-rise Neighbourhood).
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Meanwhile, the province seemed to have forgotten Toronto's MTSAs existed as they shuffled through Ministers. Now, at last, they are here. And with changes that largely seem to be improvements, although they are a bit complex.
August 16, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Meanwhile, the province seemed to have forgotten Toronto's MTSAs existed as they shuffled through Ministers. Now, at last, they are here. And with changes that largely seem to be improvements, although they are a bit complex.
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In fact, the City often exempted streets in MTSAs from other densification proposals that it was working on, under the assumption that these areas would be densified when MTSAs were approved (even though many of their plans did not increase density).
August 16, 2025 at 5:03 PM
In fact, the City often exempted streets in MTSAs from other densification proposals that it was working on, under the assumption that these areas would be densified when MTSAs were approved (even though many of their plans did not increase density).
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We were never fans of the City's original submissions, which generally didn't change land use designations or max density permissions and gerrymandered the usual suspects out of some maps. But the City couldn't really move forward without provincial approval.
Many of the City's plans were underwhelming. The provincial density targets were so low that many areas already met them. And, where that wasn't the case, the City requested exemptions. Maximum density and height allowances were not changed, even in low-rise areas that are losing population.
August 16, 2025 at 5:03 PM
We were never fans of the City's original submissions, which generally didn't change land use designations or max density permissions and gerrymandered the usual suspects out of some maps. But the City couldn't really move forward without provincial approval.
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Through months and months, we poasted. Dozens of memes. But the MTSA approvals did not arrive.
August 16, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Through months and months, we poasted. Dozens of memes. But the MTSA approvals did not arrive.
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Starting with the obvious, MTSAs have been in the work for 4+ years, so it's good that some of them are finally approved! Over in the old place, our members started a joke #MTSAwatch in July 2023, when the Bloor-Danforth MTSA submissions were a mere 18 months old.
August 16, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Starting with the obvious, MTSAs have been in the work for 4+ years, so it's good that some of them are finally approved! Over in the old place, our members started a joke #MTSAwatch in July 2023, when the Bloor-Danforth MTSA submissions were a mere 18 months old.
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It's a beautiful Saturday, which means that it's time for a thread about housing in Major Transit Station Areas (MTSAs). Yesterday, Toronto and the province announced a new-but-not-totally-new plan for homes near transit. What's the deal? 🧵
Today, the Province of Ontario approved, with modifications, 120 Major Transit Station Areas and Protected Major Transit Station Areas in #Toronto. The decision increases building heights and densities near transit and supports more housing options for these areas.
Learn more: toronto.ca/OurPlan
Learn more: toronto.ca/OurPlan
August 16, 2025 at 5:03 PM
It's a beautiful Saturday, which means that it's time for a thread about housing in Major Transit Station Areas (MTSAs). Yesterday, Toronto and the province announced a new-but-not-totally-new plan for homes near transit. What's the deal? 🧵
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This summer, we're bringing together two of life’s best things: ice cream and good conversation.
Join More Neighbours Toronto at Gemma Gelateria.
📅 Wednesday, August 27, 2025
🕕 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
RSVP HERE!
lu.ma/4itg1zk1
Join More Neighbours Toronto at Gemma Gelateria.
📅 Wednesday, August 27, 2025
🕕 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
RSVP HERE!
lu.ma/4itg1zk1
August 15, 2025 at 11:46 AM
This summer, we're bringing together two of life’s best things: ice cream and good conversation.
Join More Neighbours Toronto at Gemma Gelateria.
📅 Wednesday, August 27, 2025
🕕 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
RSVP HERE!
lu.ma/4itg1zk1
Join More Neighbours Toronto at Gemma Gelateria.
📅 Wednesday, August 27, 2025
🕕 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
RSVP HERE!
lu.ma/4itg1zk1
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🎥 Watch this explainer video to see how single stair egress works and why it’s time Ontario modernized its Building Code.
✅ Join the movement: www.moreneighbours.ca/campaign-sin...
✅ Join the movement: www.moreneighbours.ca/campaign-sin...
August 7, 2025 at 7:08 PM
🎥 Watch this explainer video to see how single stair egress works and why it’s time Ontario modernized its Building Code.
✅ Join the movement: www.moreneighbours.ca/campaign-sin...
✅ Join the movement: www.moreneighbours.ca/campaign-sin...
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Update: @mayoroliviachow.ca proposing to expand the fee exemptions to all units after the first in buildings up to sixplexes.
We love a "Yes, and" at More Neighbours.
Council starts tomorrow but could run a few days. It's a packed meeting before summer break. www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis...
We love a "Yes, and" at More Neighbours.
Council starts tomorrow but could run a few days. It's a packed meeting before summer break. www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis...
July 22, 2025 at 11:52 PM
Update: @mayoroliviachow.ca proposing to expand the fee exemptions to all units after the first in buildings up to sixplexes.
We love a "Yes, and" at More Neighbours.
Council starts tomorrow but could run a few days. It's a packed meeting before summer break. www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis...
We love a "Yes, and" at More Neighbours.
Council starts tomorrow but could run a few days. It's a packed meeting before summer break. www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis...
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🏖️✈️ On vacay and spot a single stair? We wanna see it!
July 17, 2025 at 5:34 PM
🏖️✈️ On vacay and spot a single stair? We wanna see it!
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I think McGrath has a good summary: the anti-housing backlash is here and looking for a champion. I think I'd simplify and say they need Tory to choose to be their champion (which is dicey for them) since I think full Toronto Sun conservatism is a loser without a Ford-likd personality emerging.
New from me at TVO: Toronto's next election is already about housing. www.tvo.org/article/anal...
TVO Today | Current Affairs Journalism, Documentaries and Podcasts
www.tvo.org
July 16, 2025 at 12:22 PM
I think McGrath has a good summary: the anti-housing backlash is here and looking for a champion. I think I'd simplify and say they need Tory to choose to be their champion (which is dicey for them) since I think full Toronto Sun conservatism is a loser without a Ford-likd personality emerging.
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It's too early to start thinking about next year's municipal elections.
But that's never stopped us before.
But that's never stopped us before.
New from me at TVO: Toronto's next election is already about housing. www.tvo.org/article/anal...
TVO Today | Current Affairs Journalism, Documentaries and Podcasts
www.tvo.org
July 15, 2025 at 5:43 PM
It's too early to start thinking about next year's municipal elections.
But that's never stopped us before.
But that's never stopped us before.
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Also, a very special shout-out to us and other housing advocates:
"(Even when housing advocates show up for in-person meetings, it’s become increasingly common for councillors, including some nominal progressives, to dismiss them as interlopers getting in the way of the 'authentic' residents""
"(Even when housing advocates show up for in-person meetings, it’s become increasingly common for councillors, including some nominal progressives, to dismiss them as interlopers getting in the way of the 'authentic' residents""
July 15, 2025 at 5:45 PM
Also, a very special shout-out to us and other housing advocates:
"(Even when housing advocates show up for in-person meetings, it’s become increasingly common for councillors, including some nominal progressives, to dismiss them as interlopers getting in the way of the 'authentic' residents""
"(Even when housing advocates show up for in-person meetings, it’s become increasingly common for councillors, including some nominal progressives, to dismiss them as interlopers getting in the way of the 'authentic' residents""
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"If council and the mayor were committed to density and affordability, [sixplexes] should have been approved across the board... A six-month process in 2018 now takes 23 months, while the cost has increased tenfold; the total annual economic impact of delays is $3.5 billion."
From me today in @thestar.com, on laneway homes and how #ArchitectsCanHelp
@oaarchitects.bsky.social
@tosoarch.bsky.social
#Toronto
@shawnmicallef.bsky.social
@alexbozikovic.bsky.social
bit.ly/44sjQLR
@oaarchitects.bsky.social
@tosoarch.bsky.social
#Toronto
@shawnmicallef.bsky.social
@alexbozikovic.bsky.social
bit.ly/44sjQLR
I’m an architect and this is what Mayor Chow and the city are getting wrong about laneway homes
Laneway homes are only ever going to be a niche approach to tacking the housing crisis.
bit.ly
July 14, 2025 at 2:57 PM
"If council and the mayor were committed to density and affordability, [sixplexes] should have been approved across the board... A six-month process in 2018 now takes 23 months, while the cost has increased tenfold; the total annual economic impact of delays is $3.5 billion."
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Locking in with @zakls.bsky.social is out now! In this episode, we explore how structure creates freedom in our lives. We discuss how faith and daily practices builds discipline, the challenges of living independently while staying accountable, and how to date with intention.
July 1, 2025 at 9:40 PM
Locking in with @zakls.bsky.social is out now! In this episode, we explore how structure creates freedom in our lives. We discuss how faith and daily practices builds discipline, the challenges of living independently while staying accountable, and how to date with intention.
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It's also a negative cycle. We'll be told more support is needed in the suburbs at a time those councillors indicated they'll ignore us.
Anyway, look at the surveys, letters, in-person consultation attendees and deputations. Suburban ward housing advocates showed up; the mayor didn't show up for us.
Anyway, look at the surveys, letters, in-person consultation attendees and deputations. Suburban ward housing advocates showed up; the mayor didn't show up for us.
June 27, 2025 at 11:08 AM
It's also a negative cycle. We'll be told more support is needed in the suburbs at a time those councillors indicated they'll ignore us.
Anyway, look at the surveys, letters, in-person consultation attendees and deputations. Suburban ward housing advocates showed up; the mayor didn't show up for us.
Anyway, look at the surveys, letters, in-person consultation attendees and deputations. Suburban ward housing advocates showed up; the mayor didn't show up for us.
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Also hard to known which councillors were swing votes with the compromise motion. I'll continue to criticize Holyday, but can't know if my counicllor (Ward 15) would have supported the full vote. The mayor knows. Unless she's going to tell us which allies held it up, the mayor has to be accountable.
June 27, 2025 at 11:08 AM
Also hard to known which councillors were swing votes with the compromise motion. I'll continue to criticize Holyday, but can't know if my counicllor (Ward 15) would have supported the full vote. The mayor knows. Unless she's going to tell us which allies held it up, the mayor has to be accountable.
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Perks isn't voting yes with strong mayor powers.
A bigger issue for me is multiple councillors (Carroll, Fletcher) used questions and speeches to state that residents associations were saying no, dismissing those saying yes as just from downtown. And the mayor said nothing to correct that.
A bigger issue for me is multiple councillors (Carroll, Fletcher) used questions and speeches to state that residents associations were saying no, dismissing those saying yes as just from downtown. And the mayor said nothing to correct that.
The most flagrant lie that has been told this week is that Olivia Chow's hands were tied, and that she had to compromise.
I explain why that is not the case, and why the bare-faced conclusion is simple:
open.substack.com/pub/venat/p/...
I explain why that is not the case, and why the bare-faced conclusion is simple:
open.substack.com/pub/venat/p/...
Olivia Chow Doesn't Care About the Housing Crisis
The stars aligned, but Mayor Chow chose inaction.
open.substack.com
June 27, 2025 at 11:08 AM
Perks isn't voting yes with strong mayor powers.
A bigger issue for me is multiple councillors (Carroll, Fletcher) used questions and speeches to state that residents associations were saying no, dismissing those saying yes as just from downtown. And the mayor said nothing to correct that.
A bigger issue for me is multiple councillors (Carroll, Fletcher) used questions and speeches to state that residents associations were saying no, dismissing those saying yes as just from downtown. And the mayor said nothing to correct that.
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"It’s a housing crisis everywhere in the city — not just a housing crisis downtown." Quote from board member @zakls.bsky.social made the headline!
There's been a slow uptake of 4plexes built since legalization about a year ago. We need to open the door further.
www.thestar.com/real-estate/...
There's been a slow uptake of 4plexes built since legalization about a year ago. We need to open the door further.
www.thestar.com/real-estate/...
‘Not just a housing crisis downtown.’ How Toronto’s sixplex vote pushed more density in the same areas
Council is allowing sixplexes in only nine wards after a motion to legalize them citywide failed to get suburban support.
www.thestar.com
June 27, 2025 at 12:57 PM
"It’s a housing crisis everywhere in the city — not just a housing crisis downtown." Quote from board member @zakls.bsky.social made the headline!
There's been a slow uptake of 4plexes built since legalization about a year ago. We need to open the door further.
www.thestar.com/real-estate/...
There's been a slow uptake of 4plexes built since legalization about a year ago. We need to open the door further.
www.thestar.com/real-estate/...
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Myth: #Toronto allows unrestricted housing development.
The truth is that it has the same outdated restrictions as suburbs like #Mississauga. Yesterday's decision on 6-plexes show that Toronto's leaders are not ready to take even the most modest action to address the housing crisis.
The truth is that it has the same outdated restrictions as suburbs like #Mississauga. Yesterday's decision on 6-plexes show that Toronto's leaders are not ready to take even the most modest action to address the housing crisis.
More Neighbours Toronto is disappointed in City Council’s failure to legalize sixplexes across the City of Toronto. Mayor Olivia Chow should have shown clear leadership and stood up for this reform with the full spectrum of tools available to her.
1/3
1/3
June 26, 2025 at 6:19 PM
Myth: #Toronto allows unrestricted housing development.
The truth is that it has the same outdated restrictions as suburbs like #Mississauga. Yesterday's decision on 6-plexes show that Toronto's leaders are not ready to take even the most modest action to address the housing crisis.
The truth is that it has the same outdated restrictions as suburbs like #Mississauga. Yesterday's decision on 6-plexes show that Toronto's leaders are not ready to take even the most modest action to address the housing crisis.
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The federal government needs to show they mean business by withholding funds from cities that are holding up progress on allowing housing, or others will similarly collect the money without approving meaningful changes.
More Neighbours Toronto is disappointed in City Council’s failure to legalize sixplexes across the City of Toronto. Mayor Olivia Chow should have shown clear leadership and stood up for this reform with the full spectrum of tools available to her.
1/3
1/3
June 26, 2025 at 5:40 PM
The federal government needs to show they mean business by withholding funds from cities that are holding up progress on allowing housing, or others will similarly collect the money without approving meaningful changes.
Reposted
1/Excellent statement from @moreneighboursto.bsky.social on City Council's failure yesterday to legalize creating more desperately-needed homes throughout the whole city. #topoli bsky.app/profile/more...
More Neighbours Toronto is disappointed in City Council’s failure to legalize sixplexes across the City of Toronto. Mayor Olivia Chow should have shown clear leadership and stood up for this reform with the full spectrum of tools available to her.
1/3
1/3
June 26, 2025 at 3:55 PM
1/Excellent statement from @moreneighboursto.bsky.social on City Council's failure yesterday to legalize creating more desperately-needed homes throughout the whole city. #topoli bsky.app/profile/more...