Matt ElliottDec 17, 2024

Toronto Council meets today! It's the last and final meeting of 2024.

There will be debates about things like rental housing, rideshare wages and SmartTrack (whatever that is). It starts at 9:30 a.m. It streams live here. I will post happenings. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_APrgXiJEvs

City Council - December 17, 2024

YouTube
Show threadMatt ElliottDec 17, 2024
For a full preview of the agenda, which also features items about the future of the Scarborough RT corridor, the next phase of waterfront work, and legalizing corner stores, check out Friday's free bonus edition of City Hall Watcher. https://toronto.cityhallwatcher.com/p/smarttrack-flunks-out-ombudsman-versus
SmartTrack flunks further, Ombudsman versus City Manager battle, and let's do the mid-term shuffle

The week at Toronto City Hall for December 16 to 20, featuring a look at the agenda for the final Council meeting of 2024

City Hall Watcher
Show threadMatt ElliottDec 17, 2024
In this week's regular edition of City Hall Watcher, I've got a timely update to the COUNCIL SCORECARD with a look at how often councillors vote with Mayor Olivia Chow. And a look at the looming mid-term committee shuffle. Consider it your pregame show. https://toronto.cityhallwatcher.com/p/city-councillors-get-scored-and-shuffled
Toronto City councillors get scored and shuffled

City Hall Watcher #310: The Council Scorecard RETURNS with a look at how often councillors are voting with Mayor Olivia Chow.

City Hall Watcher
Show threadMatt ElliottDec 17, 2024
Oh wait, my inbox tells me, in fact, there will be one more 2024 Council meeting after this — a special Council meeting on Friday at 9 a.m. to approve the new deal with CUPE 416. It should be quick. It damn well better be quick.
Show threadMatt ElliottDec 17, 2024
Before they get down to business this morning, Council will take some time to pay tribute to departing Medical Officer Dr. Eileen de Villa. She played a major role in guiding the city through the pandemic. She also wore a lot of scarves.
Show threadMatt ElliottDec 17, 2024
Dr. de Villa takes the lectern after a warm introduction from the mayor. "It has truly been the privilege of a lifetime serving as Toronto's Medical Officer of Health," she says. After eight years on the job, she's "ready for a rest — and a new chapter."
Show threadMatt ElliottDec 17, 2024
De Villa says her "final prescription" for Toronto is for unity. She says the private, public and not-for-profit sectors worked together during the pandemic, and that kind of collaboration should really be a permanent thing.
Show threadMatt ElliottDec 17, 2024

De Villa also says Toronto's public service workers are exhausted and still recovering from the demands of the pandemic and the last few years.

"So I recommend a focus as well on the well-being of the Toronto Public Service. They are the backbone of the city's operations."

Show threadMatt ElliottDec 17, 2024

Nunziata credits Dr. de Villa for coming along and holding her hand when she got the COVID vaccine. "I was petrified," Nunziata says.

For that and many other reasons, the departing medical officer gets a standing ovation from council.

Show threadChris Johnson
Since she didn’t bother wearing a respirator (“mask”) to a meeting where it’s sure at least one person in the room is actively contagious with COVID, I would have withheld my applause. If medical leaders don’t model appropriate measures why would they expect the populace to work together to do the right thing in any situation?
Dec 18, 2024 at 4:45pmWeb