John Tory, mayor
The current view from Mayor John Tory’s second-floor city hall office overlooks the giant Toronto sign in Nathan Phillips Square. “Our goal in the next four years must be to unite us as one Toronto and turn a good city into a truly great one,” were among the words spoken by Tory at his inaugural speech a year ago (Dec. 2, 2014).
In that time, he’s worked to build affordable housing, set out a long-term poverty reduction plan and aimed to reduce commute times, and he continues to nurture his One Toronto initiative. He’s a media-savvy, dedicated mayor; a businessman who understands city finance. He was born and raised in North Toronto, which contributes to his strengths as mayor, but he also acknowledges the learning curve of his new role.
His wit is just deadpan enough that you would not want to meet him at the poker table. Leading the city forward comes down to making decisions with “good judgment” he says. One of the initiatives that has been realized while he's been in office is the “Under Gardiner” project, announced on Nov. 17, that will see parkland created under a stretch of the Gardiner Expressway. “[It] will benefit 70,000 people” he says, adding that the project will create access to art and recreation spaces.
Tory moves on to rapid transit expansion, specifically his SmartTrack plan. Proposed in his campaign, SmartTrack is regional express rail that would connect Toronto from Mississauga to downtown to Scarborough to Markham using (some) existing GO rail infrastructure. He confirms “studies are in place,” major federal and provincial funding (in the billions) has been secured, and he believes SmartTrack will reduce commute times and help connect people to jobs across the city.
As for the TTC, Tory is pleased with the positive changes that have already happened. He points to “reversal to cuts to surface routes (made by the previous administration),” his historic $100 million investment into the TTC in his first budget this year and allowing children under the age of 12 to ride the rocket for free.
In January, he initiated a ticket and towing blitz on illegal rush-hour parking, followed by a second in October. In addition to tickets and towing, “people need reminders” to maintain good driving habits. He’s happy about plans to further reduce commute times by increasing construction on the Gardiner Expressway so lanes will open weeks earlier than originally planned. He’s still working on synchronizing traffic signal lights.
If there is an immeasurable change that John Tory has brought to Toronto, it is the calmness that now reigns at city hall. It has helped create a new image of Toronto that, he acknowledges, was not there with his predecessor. Tory feels he is filling the office of mayor with the dignity and respect that Torontonians expect.
Looking out his office window at the Toronto sign left over from the Pan Am Games, he says, “[The sign] is expensive and comes with a cost, and has a limited lifespan. The city’s looking into something more permanent.” As for 2016, he’s looking forward to connecting with all Torontonians and all neighbourhoods and the city hosting the World Cup of Hockey and the Grey Cup.
