Toronto Council meets today! Mayor Olivia Chow has designated an item about the not-so-great condition of Toronto’s infrastructure assets as her first key matter, so that’ll be up first.

Meeting is streaming here. I’ll do it live. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZT1kzFzYcvM

City Council - May 22, 2024

YouTube

I had a full preview of the agenda in a special Friday edition of my newsletter.

Other big items include allowing more dense housing on major streets (now scheduled for first-thing tomorrow), e-scooters, Eglinton bike lanes and Gardiner construction. https://toronto.cityhallwatcher.com/p/toronto-council-gets-set-for-major

Toronto Council gets set for major debate about major streets

The Week at Toronto City Hall for May 20-24, featuring a full preview of the May Council meeting, with debates on housing, e-scooters, construction and more

City Hall Watcher
We begin today, though, with a tribute to the late Councillor Jaye Robinson. She died last week from cancer. First elected in Don Valley West in 2010, she served as Chair of Infrastructure and as TTC Chair during her time.
Councillor Pasternak, elected the same year as Robinson, says he went to Robinson for the “real scoop” on the Barry and Honey Sherman murders, and notes he helped her get Drake a fence exemption. Also credits her with getting him to stop chewing on his highlighter. Multitudes.
Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik notes Robinson’s support of women’s sports. One of Robinson’s final official acts was to work with Malik on this motion to advance pro women’s soccer in Toronto. It’ll be considered at this meeting. https://secure.toronto.ca/council/agenda-item.do?item=2024.MM18.22
Agenda Item History 2024.MM18.22

Agenda Item History 2024.MM18.22

toronto.ca
Councillor Thompson recalls how he and Robinson “conspired” to prevent former mayor Rob Ford from cutting the budget for economic development and culture. Robinson was one of the first of Ford’s initial inner circle to push back against some of the moves his admin was making.
Robison was later booted off Ford’s executive for having the temerity to publicly suggest the mayor should take a leave of absence following the whole crack video thing. Councillor Gord Perks calls it a “moment of courage.” https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/lone-female-councillor-booted-from-mayor-s-executive-1.1317020
Lone female councillor booted from mayor's executive | CBC News

A Toronto councillor who urged Mayor Rob Ford to temporarily step down amid drug allegations was ousted from Ford's executive committee today.

CBC

After the tributes to Robinson, Council opts to recess until 2 p.m. to allow time for councillors to speak with Robinson’s family and attend a funeral for Councillor Shelley Carroll’s father.

I’ll see you back here at 2.

A new addition to the council agenda: after being asked to review the economic case, staff are now recommending increasing the number of units permitted in six-storey buildings on major streets. Original recommendation was up to 30 units. Now up to 60. https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2024/cc/bgrd/backgroundfile-245958.pdf
Council is back. Councillor Holyday moves to refer the City Manager’s answer re: the cost of installing signage at Sankofa Square (formerly known as Yonge-Dundas) to Executive Committee for more consideration. That CARRIES 11-10. Close one! https://secure.toronto.ca/council/agenda-item.do?item=2024.IA18.1
Agenda Item History 2024.IA18.1

Agenda Item History 2024.IA18.1

toronto.ca
(This is at best a symbolic victory for Holyday. Chow’s Executive isn’t likely to do anything with the item.)
Council votes to ADOPT a new wage schedule for the city’s longstanding Fair Wage Policy. It CARRIES 23-1, with only Holyday opposed. https://secure.toronto.ca/council/agenda-item.do?item=2024.EX14.11
Agenda Item History 2024.EX14.11

Agenda Item History 2024.EX14.11

toronto.ca
Council votes via show of hands to extend the Chief Information Security Officer’s mandate to include city agencies and corporations. https://secure.toronto.ca/council/agenda-item.do?item=2024.EX14.3
Agenda Item History 2024.EX14.3

Agenda Item History 2024.EX14.3

toronto.ca
Councillor Paula Fletcher moves to defer an item about “free-floating” car sharing (i.e. Communauto) to the next Council meeting. Apparently there are some questions that need answers. That carries via show of hands. https://secure.toronto.ca/council/agenda-item.do?item=2024.IE13.4
Agenda Item History 2024.IE13.4

Agenda Item History 2024.IE13.4

toronto.ca
@GraphicMatt It would be nice if all new condos in Toronto required a couple of car sharing spots.