03 September 2010

Will Press for ‘Exhibition Place, Ontario’

(Ontario Place) – Standing at the front gates of Ontario Place, mayoral candidate George Smitherman today called for the gates to come down and challenged Toronto to stand with him in taking back our waterfront.

“When I was a kid I stood in awe at Ontario Place and what it did to connect Toronto with our waterfront,” said George Smitherman. “It’s time for Toronto to take back this piece of its waterfront and to realize a new vision where Ontario Place and Exhibition Place become one – at long last.”

Currently Ontario Place and Toronto’s Exhibition Place are two separate organizations with two distinct visions. The Ontario Ministry of Tourism has issued a Request For Interest for the redevelopment of Ontario Place with a deadline of September 10. George Smitherman today announced his intention to press for the creation of Exhibition Place, Ontario – a single, exciting destination on Toronto’s waterfront.

“Today I’m calling on the Premier and the Government of Ontario to join with us to broaden the focus to create a bold, new, exciting waterfront destination,” added Smitherman.

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02 September 2010

Build Transit City and Fund It

 1.  Will you commit to maintaining current TTC service levels?

My Transit plan will expand services (see below), delivering new mass transit to areas of the city east, west, and north.

Under my Transit Plan the TTC will pursue a clear mandate to improve current poorly delivered customer services. Focus will be on rider needs, facility maintenance and a greater degree of innovation to provide fast, safe, convenient, and reliable transit across the city. The present state of TTC customer dissatisfaction demands an overhaul of the organization from bottom to top.

I will expect the TTC to restore a ‘farebox recovery ratio’ of 75 pct and I will press the Province to renew its long-term commitment to a fifty-fifty sharing of the necessary general revenue subsidy for the TTC, using a formula that acknowledges the current provincial gas tax transfer as a contribution to TTC operations.

 2.  Will you work to complete the Transit City Light Rail Plan by 2020 as endorsed by the TTC, Toronto City Council and Premier Dalton McGuinty in 2007?

Yes. Work toward the completion of the Light Rail Plan will be underway by 2020.

My plan has two phases: what we can complete for the Pan Am Games (2015) and what we can complete by 2020.

Phase One (to 2015):

• York U subway extension
• Waterfront LRT (Portlands)
• Sheppard East LRT beyond the Aquatic Centre/UofT
• Eglinton Crosstown LRT – tunnelled clear to Weston Road 

2016-2020: Subways East/West/North and more LRT

•  
  • Finch West LRT to Woodbine Racetrack
  •  Sheppard subway exended west from Yonge Line to Downsview Station on Spadina Line – Thus the connection is made fully between the east and west across the top of the city,
  •  Scarborough RT replaced with subway to Scarborough Town Centre – rather than the ‘one off’ technology envisioned by Transit City
  •  Bloor-Danforth Subway extended west  to The East Mall and Sherway Gardens
  •  Finch West LRT to Woodbine Racetrack

While abundant opportunities for further transit expansion exist, the maps of my transit plan (http://www.georgesmitherman.ca/issues.html#transit) demonstrate, I feel, that our city can be knit together effectively within 10 years.

3.  Will you work to secure a long term funding commitment with other orders of Government to share the TTC’s operating costs so that fares do not increase beyond the rate of inflation?

Using 2010 operating figures, the Province would be expected to contribute $101m additional operating dollars, to be delivered compliant with a 50/50 operating funding agreement.

FORMULA:  ‘Subsidy’ after farebox     $512m
                     50% represents            $256m
                     Prov gas tax provides   $155m

                     2010 Prov Operating
                     Support Shorfall =        $101m

The federal government began providing a share of the gas tax in 2007. My focus with the federal government will be to increase their currently committed capital support beyond $1m. A precedent of 32% is established.

As to limiting future fare increases to the rate of inflation, that depends on number of factors, including collective agreements, local and regional economic conditions, and equitable funding from all three levels of government.

4.  To ensure the TTC makes decisions that will benefit the environment and are accountable to the public, will you support keeping the TTC governance and its operations public?

The question is not worded in a way that a single answer can be given.

Do I support keeping the TTC governance and operations under public control and ownership? Yes, I do and have said so on many occasions.

Is this a primary factor in achieving positive environmental outcomes? That depends just as much on the makeup and skill of the Council and the makeup and skill of the Commission itself (there are many examples of public agencies that have had very poor environmental records).

My policy is to reconstitute the Commission with a majority of high quality individuals with professional transit, transport operations, environmental and business management backgrounds. The TTC would still be answerable to the City directly through Council, and would have Councillors sitting on it.

 

Achieve 70% Waste Diversion by 2010

5.  Will you work to ensure that all apartments and condominiums have Green Bin organic waste collection services by 2011?

I will enthusiastically work toward the objective of providing Green Bin organic waste collection services as soon as possible. It is simply not sustainable or ethical to continue as we now do, to dump organics into landfill.

I think we need to look for solutions that are more localized than the current approaches taken by the city. Trucking is costly, both in financial and economic terms and has environmental impacts that should be avoided.

Given the election is October 25^th, 2010, it is unlikely that any of the mayoralty candidates will be able to ensure that all apartments and condominiums have green bill waste collection by Jan.1 2011.

6.  Will you support building additional City-owned composting plants (ie. in addition to those already planned) to increase the capacity and long term stability of the Green Bin program in Toronto?

I will be open to many service delivery options. I particularly favour solutions right in neighbourhoods that can be a source of local green jobs – ENVIRONMENTALLY AND ECONOMICALLY SUSTAINABLE. For example I look forward to working with non-profits and apartment building residents to support onsite (‘micro’) composting systems providing compost to local/community gardens, which can achieve social as well as environmental outcomes.

I plan to enable the deployment of multiple approaches to reach this objective since the ‘one size fits all’ approach taken by the city so far has been expensive and slow, in my view. My experience as Minister of Energy and Infrastructure gives me some insight into the connection between government procurement, innovation, and achievement of quantifiable outcomes. I was able to do this with waitlists in the hospital sector and believe I have the skill and ability to do similarly well with organic waste.

As part of any comprehensive approach to solid waste management, the latest composting technology will be considered (including anaerobic digesters for organics which also produce useable methane).

I will also be investigating how best to enable different logistical approaches, including ‘micro-composting’ linked to community gardens, which would bring more non-profits into the waste management service area.

Whether it is the City, a private company, or a not for profit coop owns or operates the facility, the environment and the City benefit most when best practices or best available technology are used within a firm and predictable policy/regulatory framework.
 

7.  Do you commit to oppose any incineration, energy from waste, or thermal technology proposals to manage and dispose of Toronto’s municipal solid waste?

Trucking garbage to London, ON, is bad public policy. I believe we have to be constantly on the lookout for innovative strategies. I do not support traditional incineration.

As part of any comprehensive approach to solid waste management, the best available technology options must be considered to meet our shared policy objective of diverting maximum organic content from landfill and, ideally, using it for other purposes such as compost or in distributed energy systems. Toronto does not currently deal with its solid waste in an environmentally sustainable manner. Improvements in both solid waste technology, and in our ability to determine which technologies are most sustainable, requires that we continue to consider all options to achieve the most sustainable solid waste programs for the benefit not only of the residents of Toronto but for the ecosysmtes of Ontario, the Great Lakes, and our planet.

 

Buy and Support Locally-Produced Green Products

8.  Will you direct the City's Economic Development Department to make it a priority to work with locally-based manufacturers to identify green manufacturing opportunities arising from the Sustainable Energy Plan, the Tower Renewal Project, Transit City and other city green initiatives?

Yes, but I worry that the City’s Economic Development Dept. lacks that capacity.

I will speak more about how I intend to elevate Economic Development, in the City’s operations so it can help to create jobs.
 

9.  Will you support a new city procurement policy, which includes Toronto Hydro and

Enwave, which gives preference to local manufacturers and local jobs for supplying green products?

I will be active in promoting Ontario-wide markets for existing and new Toronto based companies.

The City already has a policy that allows it to give preference to, and pay slightly more for locally produced goods and services that provide for employment in the City. This policy will be reviewed to see what changes may be required to address the rapidly growing range of green goods and services and to reap greater benefits for Torontonians both economically and ecologically.
 

10.  Will you support strategies to increase local food purchasing by city agencies, including daycares, shelters and seniors homes by adopting healthier menus that serve less pre-packaged, prepared food, and more fresher, local food?

Yes, as part of my comprehensive policy on urban agriculture and food security.

 

Building Transportation Infrastructure Everyone Can Use

11.  Do you commit to supporting the development and implementation of a Complete Streets policy by 2014?

I do not want to wait until 2014 to bring a focus onto active transportation for Toronto – I will get working on it right away.

My integrated transportation plan will provide for faster multi modal movement of people, goods and services across the City, by appreciating that most commuters use more than one mode regularly. It will begin being implemented in 2011, and should be substantially complete, by 2015.

I will support Complete Streets policy by taking measures that include the points below in my bike policy (next question) and ensuring pedestrian concerns are included in secondary (neighbourhood) planning, and that sidewalks/walkways are clear and well-maintained as part of my commitment to universal accessibility of our city.

12.  Do you commit to fully implementing Toronto's Bike Plan, including the creation of bike lanes on arterial roads, by 2012?

I support Toronto cyclists and will make it easier for Torontonians to choose safe cycling.

My plan includes:

• Time out on construction of new bike lanes on arterial roadways, but move immediately to ensure current cycling routes are safer and better maintained

• physical separation of bikes and cars: bicycle lanes should be separated from cars with properly curbed lanes, so everyone can travel more safely

• Moving forward, expedite the expansion of dedicated bike “expressways” though hydro corridors, ravines and other non-roadways (complete the network already planned, by 2015, and expand beyond that)

• Increase opportunities for children to learn bike safety and opportunities to ride their bicycles in their neighbourhoods (include Safe Routes to School and similar in secondary planning)

• Better maintenance of bike routes—including year round upkeep, with snow clearance on bike expressways

• Integration of cycling into Toronto’s planning and transit, by looking at incentives and possible partnerships to build a better bike infrastructure. Toronto should have better bike parking at TTC stations, shower facilities and other ideas that make it easier for “dual-mode commuting” (riding to a TTC or GO station and hopping on transit).
   

13.  Do you commit to launching a public education campaign for all road users teaching them about their responsibilities on the road and road sharing?

Yes - A public education campaign for all road users will be part of my integrated transportation plan.
 

Implement the City's Sustainable Energy Strategy
 

14.  Will you agree to keep Toronto Hydro publicly owned?

Yes.

15.  Will you direct Toronto Hydro and city staff to work with Enbridge and Enwave to get a partnership underway in 2011 that will deliver home energy retrofits across the city?

As Energy Minister I created the Green Energy Act and am very familiar with the opportunities that it creates for major improvements in our energy system. My intention to keep Toronto Hydro in public hands is driven primarily by my conviction that it can be a significant strategic platform for a major energy transformation in Toronto, including home energy retrofits in partnership with other energy companies. I will be making further announcements on this topic during the election campaign.

Having said that I think we need to be cautious of pulling Toronto Hydro in too many directions. It is not clear to me that Toronto Hydro and City staff are working well together now, so I expect my first task will be to work with both to set clear priorities for each with respect to greening our energy system. Current commitments for capital renewal and green energy generation will be priorities.

16.  Will you support the full and timely implementation of the City's Sustainable Energy Strategy, adopted by City Council in November 2009?

That and more. I will actively fight for Tornototo to be a major Green energy leader and cluster, as a primary economic development approach.

As Mayor I will review the City’s current Sustainable Energy Strategy, the status of its implementation.

17.  Would you support -in principle- a proposal by Toronto Hydro to develop Toronto-based offshore wind power to provide renewable power for the city?

Toronto Hydro is pursuing such a project. I await news of whether it is viable.

 

Provide Tools to Prevent Pollution

18.  Will you support ChemTRAC’s plan to provide the necessary tools and assistance to help small businesses develop pollution prevention plans for the top 25 toxic chemicals released in Toronto?

We are studying this issue and will provide a response at a later date.

19.  Will you support full public disclosure of ChemTRAC’s annual reports and data to ensure that communities across the city know which companies are using and emitting the top 25 toxic chemicals in Toronto?

As a former Minister of Health I am concerned about public exposure to toxic compounds.

In principle, I am an advocate of the community’s ‘right to know’ when and if toxic chemicals are in use in their vicinity. I am also on record as a strong supporter of ‘open data’ policies for the city of Toronto, meaning that unless the municipal government has a clear and justifiable legal or policy requirement to the non-disclosure of data, it should be released to the public domain.

I am also aware that sometimes there may be legitimate issues of commercial confidentiality with respect to the release of data of this nature. However, commercial interests cannot trump public health or environmental protection.

My policy on disclosure is being developed to take account of this, and I am looking forward to seeing the input to ChemTRAC’s public consultations on this issue (taking place in September and October) before making a public statement on disclosure.

20.  Will you direct and support all relevant City agencies, boards, commissions and departments to collaborate in the successful implementation and monitoring of the Environmental Reporting and Disclosure Bylaw and in developing and implementing pollution prevention plans?

Yes.

 

02 September 2010

Announces Specific Strategy to Create 7,500 Jobs Every Year

(Cabbagetown Youth Centre) – After a roundtable discussion with young adults who will soon start the job hunt, mayoral candidate George Smitherman today announced his plan for creating opportunities and jobs for Toronto’s youth.

“As mayor, Toronto will be known is a city of opportunity – and we will create jobs to get Toronto working again,” said George Smitherman. “The city has the ability to insist that every organization that does business with Toronto hires youth. That’s exactly what I’ll do as mayor.”

With recent statistics showing youth unemployment 20% higher than the average, Smitherman met with youth at the Cabbagetown Youth Centre and heard first-hand concerns about finding a job in Toronto. In response, Smitherman proposed a specific 4-pronged strategy to directly engage City departments, contractors, unions, and the private sector to create at least 7,500 jobs for youth each year. Specifically, Smitherman proposed:

• A Clear expectation of suppliers – All city departments will set a clear youth employment target for suppliers doing business with the city.

• Expanding existing youth training programs – All city departments and agencies, including Fire, EMS, Police and TTC will establish or expand youth job and training programs, within their annual budgets.

• Project Labour Agreements – Contractors bidding for infrastructure and public works tenders, such as Toronto’s multi-billion dollar transit expansion – will be required to sign project labour agreements to provide training and jobs for young people.

• A New $10M Get Youth Working Fund – to provide funding for individual businesses or BIAs to hire working people under the age of 25, targeted specifically for at-risk youth. This program will grant employers training or wage subsidies (up to 20%.) 

This plan builds on Smitherman’s earlier announcement of a $15M increase for Children and Youth Recreation programs, which also guarantees more jobs for youth in Toronto’s recreation programs.

“We have the tools in our hands to help give our kids hope for a brighter future. I will champion a Toronto that aggressively competes for jobs and will make sure our kids have a fair shot at them. Our future depends on it,” added Smitherman.

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BACKGROUNDER – Youth Jobs Strategy

George Smitherman has a four-pronged youth employment strategy to engage City departments, contractors, unions, and the private sector to create thousands of new youth jobs and training positions.  Direct new spending under these programs will result in new jobs and training positions for approximately 7,500 young Torontonians. Indirectly (through procurement and modified City hiring practices) these policies will affect tens of thousands of Toronto youth.

1.  All City Departments will set forth expectations of suppliers that they participate in youth training and hiring programs.  Youth employment and training opportunities will ‘count for more’ when City departments award contracts.

• This policy extends the 2003 City Council declaration on improving economic participation by diverse communities to apply to youth. Modeled on Toronto Community Housing’s innovative approach – in which businesses bidding for contracts are expected to identify benefits for one of a range of authorized TCHC programs helping young people to learn, earn, and support their own communities. This model will apply to all departments and agencies, including the TTC, Police, Fire/EMS, Toronto Hydro, Parks & Recreation, Toronto Water and the Works Department.  A review of opportunities and measurable objectives will be done before implementation.

2.  All city departments and agencies -- including Fire, EMS, Police, and TTC will establish or expand youth training and employment programs, within their strategic planning and annual budgets.

• Toronto Police Service currently runs the Youth in Policing (YIP) summer program (currently this program provides summer training positions for 150 young people from ‘priority neighbourhoods’ – this will be doubled to 300 youth by 2012, from all parts of the City.
• Toronto Community Housing Cadet Program – training for youth interested in community safety and policing.  This program has taken in 4 recruits who will begin a six-month P/T program in October 2010.  We will grow the TCHC Cadet Program to 50 youth every year (starting immediately and reaching 50 by 2015).

3.  Project Labour Agreements to Benefit Youth: Contractors bidding for infrastructure and public works tenders -- including Toronto’s proposed transit expansion -- will be required to establish project labour agreements to provide training and job opportunities for young Torontonians.  When we build our City, we won’t leave youth out of the picture.  And this policy will give labour unions more opportunities to support youth employment 

• Toronto’s transit expansion will take ten years and create 60,000-100,000 person-years of employment for people living in Toronto.  Smitherman will target 2.5% of these jobs as youth apprenticeships or entry-level posts (1500 person-years)

4.  New $10m Get Youth Working Fund, providing funding for individual businesses or BIAs to hire working people under the age of 25.  Participants will be pre-screened by qualified non-profit agencies to ensure that this funding targets youth-at-risk of long-term unemployment.  Funded through the commercial and industrial property tax class, this program will provide employment and/or apprenticeship opportunities for thousands young Torontonians every year by granting employers funds for training or wage subsidies (up to 20%).

In addition, as part of a ‘Recreation Renaissance’ in Toronto, George Smitherman will guarantee more employment for youth in recreation programs – lifeguarding, coaching and organizing day camps or sports in their communities – by adding $15m to the budget for  Children and Youth Recreation programs^.[1] These funds will ensure larger and more frequent grants to community organizations, after-school programs, and other recognized agencies providing recreational programs for young people – provided they hire youth to deliver their services.

31 August 2010

Vows to keep and unleash Toronto Hydro, Create Green Energy District

(York School) – Standing before a solar panel installation on the roof of Toronto’s York School, mayoral candidate George Smitherman today outlined his plan to create green jobs in Toronto.

“Toronto has every right to be a global giant in creating good, green jobs right here. If I’m elected mayor, that’s exactly what we’ll do,” said George Smitherman. “I will make sure Toronto Hydro is focused on doing its part and so will City Hall. It’s time for Toronto to move confidently into the future.”

Under Smitherman’s plan, Toronto will take full advantage of the major shift away from fossil fuels and toward electricity from clean renewable sources like solar, wind, biomass and biogas – and greater energy efficiency. Building on opportunities from Ontario’s Green Energy Act, including the Feed-In-Tariff program that he initiated while Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, George Smitherman will:

• Unleash Toronto Hydro – by re-focusing the company on creating 500 megawatts of new, clean renewable power – installed by residents, the public and private sector. He will also target 500 megawatts of electricity conservation to reduce the cost of electricity. George will ensure Toronto Hydro supports homeowners who install renewable power with simple billing arrangements and financial assistance.

• Create green jobs – With Hydro re-focused, and City Hall clear about its targets, Toronto will be a magnet for technical skill, innovation and manufacturing. New business and investment in the green energy sector will also attract research-based firms and academic organizations interested in being on the forefront of Toronto’s global wave.

• Create a Green Energy District – Involving academic, private sector and public partners including Build and Invest Toronto, George will target areas of the city that need jobs and have high vacancy rates for a green innovation and manufacturing hub. Tax deferral and retrofit incentives will help spur further job growth through energy efficiency retrofits in the district.

“Toronto has the tools to put our city on the global green energy map – all we’re lacking is political will and the courage to make it happen,” added Smitherman. “I believe in Toronto’s potential and I believe it is the mayor’s job to ensure Toronto is a haven for the long-term, high-paying jobs of the future.”

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30 August 2010

Will use tax cuts and ‘get tough’ policies to encourage heritage preservation and tourism

(Gould Street) – Toronto mayoral candidate George Smitherman today released his plan for preserving the best of Toronto’s heritage – including our historical buildings and neighbourhoods as well as natural areas including park land and open spaces.

“In every corner of Toronto, there are historical gems that stand as symbols of Toronto’s past. If I’m mayor, Toronto will have a clear policy to protect the best of the past as we move aggressively into the future,” said George Smitherman.

George Smitherman announced his 5-point Heritage Plan to preserve and promote Toronto’s built form and natural heritage:

• Encourage heritage shopping districts - by cutting taxes to encourage heritage property owners to invest in properties and encourage heritage tourism. 

• Fight the neglect of heritage properties – by implementing new tools, including an early-warning system, to hold neglectful owners accountable.

• More tools to protect neighbourhoods – including ‘residential development guidelines’ to preserve character of neighbourhoods across Toronto.

• Build partnerships across Toronto – by having Heritage staff work with BIAs, design and planning groups and city planners.

• Expand definition of Heritage to include natural heritage features – including working with Ottawa to designate Rouge Park a new national park.

“If I’m elected I will ensure Heritage Toronto’s scope matches the city – from Old Agincourt to Mimico, we will ensure our historically unique areas across Toronto are identified, protected and restored. It’s time to be proud of Toronto again,” added Smitherman.

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Backgrounder

Preserving the Best of Toronto’s Past While Looking to the Future

As Mayor of Toronto, George Smitherman will place a high priority on the preservation of the City’s built form and natural heritage. He will place a greater focus on heritage assets outside of the downtown core.

Here are some key steps that George Smitherman will take as Mayor:


1. Build internal and external partnerships across Toronto

Internally, Toronto’s heritage staff should work more closely with urban design staff and with city planners. They should be located across the City so they are connected to local communities.

• Heritage staff should also work with local citizens, BIAs and external organizations such as the Ontario Architects Association, Ontario Heritage Foundation, schools of architecture and local volunteers to complete the heritage inventory throughout the city.
• Partnerships with institutions and the private sector, such as the Maple Leaf Gardens scheme, can repurpose a heritage property and ensure its use for generations to come.
• Local citizens should be seen as part of the solution, not part of the problem. Heritage staff need to share control with local citizens.

2. More tools to protect neighbourhoods

To make the most of limited resources, the City must look at available planning tools, such as “residential development guidelines”, to preserve the character of neighbourhoods. These are less onerous to enforce than Heritage Districts and would allow the City to expand protection to more areas of the City.

Zoning must be used as a tool to protect areas of special identity; rather than providing a one-size-fits-all zoning by-law, the City must identify what needs protecting and tailor zoning to preserve heritage assets. Rezoning should not be an invitation to bulldozers. In fact rezoning and creative reuse of heritage buildings can add value as we have seen with projects like Maple Leaf Gardens and the redevelopment at 5 St. Joseph Street.

The City should also expand the use of heritage easements and tax refund tools available under the City of Toronto Act to preserve heritage properties. 

3. Encourage heritage shopping districts

Use tax policy to encourage property owners and businesses to invest in heritage properties; commercial property tax currently acts as a disincentive to property owners wishing to maintain heritage storefronts. The City needs to work with BIAs to encourage heritage shopping districts and should investigate the creation of a commercial property tax class that specifically recognizes heritage storefronts. Heritage tourism is a growing segment and should be part of the City’s economic development/tourism strategy.

4. Fight the neglect of heritage properties

A small minority of heritage property owners neglect their buildings sometimes leading to building collapse. Working with City officials, including the fire department, building inspections and by-law enforcement, the City must examine policies and tools that will encourage protection and hold neglectful owners accountable and develop an “early warning system” to identify properties that are at risk of neglect.

5. Explore and expand the definition of Heritage to include natural heritage features

Expand the boundaries of heritage to discover and recognize what people value in their communities - work with Heritage Toronto and others to create a strong, relevant, positive and inclusive sense of the history of the City of Toronto.  Heritage programs must encompass the entire City, beyond the downtown core, and include identification, protection, preservation and restoration, where required. It should include agriculture, commerce, industry, and spiritual architecture, place (streetscapes) and open spaces (parks and landscapes). As one example, the City should encourage the federal government to designate the Rouge Park a new National Park. Natural heritage features in Toronto’s many ravines should also be protected.

 

VIDEO:

28 August 2010

August 28, 2010

Ford On Ford: Back On The Gravy Train

Rob Ford has talked a lot about sole-sourcing in this campaign. It’s the locomotive of his so-called ‘gravy train.’ He railed against the Tuggs deal in the Beach. He railed against Bombardier’s subway deal. He even brought a book of supposedly sole-sourced contracts to the last CP24 debate to underscore his point.

But when it came to a vote on extending a sole-sourced contract to the Grenadier Group for concessions on the Western Beaches and High Park on the last day of Council, the 10-year Councillor sang a different tune. Rob Ford voted FOR extending a sole-sourced deal. In fact, the extension carried with a vote of 20-18.  Mr. Ford was the deciding vote.

As a reminder, Rob Ford’s most recent comments on sole-sourcing*:
(* up to yesterday, that is.)

“We’re spending hundreds of millions of dollars on sole-sourcing and this is what we have to abolish. We have to have competitive tendering Mr. Smitherman.”
-CP24 Debate, August 17, 2010

Mayoral candidate Rob Ford feels sole-source bidding is "completely out of control" at City Hall.
"Taxpayers will never know whether this guy (company) put any price on it if the city doesn't get competitive bids," he said, noting it definitely is "not the real world" at City Hall.
-Sue-Ann Levy, Toronto Sun, August 7, 2010

"Taxpayers have the right to know they're getting the best value for their money," he said.
"Too often ... too many purchases are negotiated behind closed doors without competitive bidding," he added, pointing to the sole-source contract signed with Bombardier for $750 million in subway cars.
-Sue-Ann Levy, Toronto Sun, July 15, 2010

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25 August 2010

Council has one last chance to ‘do the right thing’ for taxpayers 

(City Hall) – As Toronto City Council is set to meet for the last time today, Mayoral candidate George Smitherman again called on Mayor Miller and Councillors to kick their expensive, big money ‘bucket-list’. 

“Despite committee meetings all last week that gave the green light to expensive legacy projects that will tie the hands of the next mayor, Council has one last chance to do the right thing today,” said George Smitherman. “I’m calling again for the mayor and council to kick their expensive bucket list that will stand in the way of the change Toronto is crying out for.” 

Various council committees and agencies met beginning last Monday in the lead-up to today’s final City Council meeting, to give their endorsement of their wish lists to be decided today, including: 

• The decision to authorize $323,000 to plan for a new $5.5M TTC Museum, at a time when a customer service panel report made 78 recommendations to improve service; 

• The TTC’s rushed move to a new open payment system that jeopardizes provincial funding and is out of synch with the GTA-wide Presto Card;  

• The authorization to begin expropriating homes for the TTC’s “second-exit program.” 

• The one-size-fits-all Draft Zoning By-Law which will have controversial, significant impacts across Toronto. 

“I saw a glimmer of hope in David Miller’s intervention in the Zoo Board’s decision over the Panda delegation. He should bring that same level of fiscal reality to today’s Council meeting – it would be a welcome change,” added Smitherman. “If elected, I will get City Hall working for the people of Toronto again – today’s Council should not make that task any more difficult than it has to be.”

 

BACKGROUNDER: City Council’s Bucket List

 

Various council committees, including Executive Committee, Planning and Growth Management, Public Works and Infrastructure and the Toronto Transit Commission, met beginning last Monday in preparation for today’s final meeting of the current term of Toronto City Council. Items on the Council’s ‘bucket list’ for decision today, include: 

 

·         TTC Fare Payment System. An RFP has already been issued with an expectation of a deal being awarded by November 30, 2010. 

 

·         TTC Headquarters and Transit Museum. Active consideration is being given to various sites for the new corporate headquarters. 

 

·         GM 33.5 – Real Estate Acquisition – TTC Second Exit Program. Authorizes city to begin expropriation process. 

 

·         EX 46.2 – Establish an Office of Independent Counsel. City manager is recommending the Executive Committee receive this report. Deferred. Thankfully. 

 

·         EX 46.6 – Start-Up Financing for Build Toronto. Report is recommending $160M be guaranteed for the agency over 5 years. 

 

·         PG 40.10 – Final Report & Statutory Public Meeting on the Draft Zoning By-law. A one-size-fits-all zoning bylaw that has controversial, significant impacts city-wide. 

 

·         PW 35.10 – Garbage Collection – For Tenants Above Commercial Properties. Authorizes city to investigate ways to levy bag tags for some tenants. 

 

·         PW 35.12 – Gardiner Expressway Interchange Reconfiguration – Municipal Class EA. No funding source is identified in the city’s 10-year capital plan for this reconfiguration. 

·         Deputy Mayor Joe Pantalone signalled two weeks ago, his intention to bring forward a motion to add more inspections for Multi-Unit Residential buildings. No details are yet available.

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23 August 2010

Below is a statement from mayoral candidate George Smitherman on the release of the TTC Customer Service Panel report:

“I urge the current TTC commissioners to take a hard look at today’s Customer Service Panel report and devote every last minute of their time in office over the next two months to implementing the recommendations of the report.

Later this afternoon the TTC Board will meet to discuss their ‘bucket list’ of big-spending items they want to rush through before their term expires in October. I am repeating my call today for the TTC to immediately defer their wish list, including any further discussion about a new Headquarters, a new TTC museum and a new payment system that is out of synch with the rest of the GTA.

The time for a wholesale change in the attitude of City Hall is now. The citizens of Toronto must always come first in every service the City provides, including the TTC. That’s why I announced PronTO in June – my plan to improve customer service by re-training every public servant, providing one-window service and extending service hours. If I’m elected mayor, I will implement PronTO and get City Hall working for everyone.”

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20 August 2010

Urges Councillors to focus 100% on improving TTC service

(TTC Headquarters) – Mayoral candidate George Smitherman called on TTC Commissioners, led by Councillor Adam Giambrone, to immediately reject the proposal to move forward with a TTC Visitor Centre.

“At a time when the TTC is dirtier and more unreliable than ever, when they can’t get the basics right like fixing escalators in subway stations, wasting one minute of time and $238,000 on a museum is inexcusable,” said George Smitherman. “It’s time we reigned in the TTC, and brought in a skills-based board who won’t be held captive to political legacy-making.”

At its August meeting on Monday, TTC Commissioners will be asked to consider a report entitled Implementation Process to Establish The Transit Visitor Centre. The report updates councillors on progress made to date, identifies building requirements on the ‘York Mills site’ and gives authority to the TTC’s General Manager to begin negotiations around the Visitor Centre.

The report also highlights the fact that $85,000 to undertake the initial study for the Visitor Centre has already been spent in 2009, and that $238,000 in additional funding will be required. This money is unbudgeted and ‘will be accommodated under expenditures in other…Buildings and Structures projects.’

“As I called for on Monday, the mayor and council should turn off the spending taps and put off the major decisions that will tie the hands of the next council and get in the way of the change Toronto needs,” added Smitherman. “It’s time to get City Hall working for you again.” 

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20 August 2010

What was said by Councillor Rob Ford:

“We can’t even deal with the 2.5 million people in this city. I think it’s more important that we take care of the people now before we start bringing in more.”

-Rob Ford, CP24 Televised Debate, August 17, 2010 

“The situation is out of control. There should be a refugee freeze in Toronto . At some point we have to shut the door…we are the laughingstock of North America .”

-Rob Ford, Toronto Sun, March 12, 2003

Below is a statement from Toronto mayoral candidate George Smitherman in response:

On Tuesday night at the CP24 debate, Rob Ford made clear his view of Toronto – a city closed to immigrants, closed to the world’s talent and closed to those most in need. I am deeply troubled by Rob Ford’s comments.

This is a fundamental attack on who we are as a city and who we are as a nation. Toronto is a city of immigrants – we always have been. Newcomers have made our city prosper and grow. Toronto is a beacon around the world for people fleeing from persecution, poverty and hopelessness and perhaps more than any other city on the planet, Toronto finds strength in our diversity. So much so, it is our city’s motto.

Rob Ford has a long track record of ruling out people and groups who are not part of his Toronto. In his 10 years at City Hall, he has made disparaging comments about Asian and Italian Canadians, gay people and cyclists to name just a few. Rob Ford’s values are not Toronto’s values and his comments raise serious questions about his fitness to lead such a diverse city. We need a mayor who can unite and bring people together.

While Canada has been generally very generous in opening its doors to people from around the world, there have been times in our history when people have succumbed to prejudice, fear and ignorance.

But we should remember Canada’s first refugees were the United Empire Loyalists. Irish, Armenians, Jews, Hungarians, refugees from the Eastern Bloc, the Vietnamese Boat people, Somalis, people from the Balkans and more recently the Afghan, Tibetan and Tamil people have all sought refuge on our shores. We are enriched by their contribution to our city.

Toronto deserves a mayor who believes that diversity is a strength to be celebrated.

My Toronto welcomes hardworking people who want to bring their skills and education here to build a better life for themselves and their families.

My Toronto is a growing, diverse and prosperous city.

My Toronto looks to the future with pride.

18 August 2010

In an effort to divide Toronto with anti-immigration sentiments, Rob Ford today continued to repeat that one million people will come to Toronto in the next ten years.  As usual, Rob Ford got his numbers wrong.

Let's let the facts speak for themselves:

FACT: Ontario's Places to Grow Plan, the most comprehensive study on the issue, shows Toronto's population will growby just 170,000 over the next ten years.
(Source: https://www.placestogrow.ca/images/pdfs/fplan-eng-web-all.pdf, Schedule 3)

FACT: The City of Toronto's Official Plan shows Toronto will have 537,000 moreresidents in the next 25 years. There will be one million additional people inthe Greater Toronto Area -a region stretching from Milton to Ajax to Georgina Township.
(Source: http://www.toronto.ca/planning/official_plan/pdf_chapter1-5/chapters1_5_oct2009.pdf, page 2-1)

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16 August 2010

16 August 2010

Urges council to avoid saddling next council with expensive decisions

 

(City Hall) – As Toronto City Council prepares for its final meeting next week, Mayoral candidate George Smitherman today called on City Councillors to shelve the costly wish list of items they’d like to do before they ‘kick the bucket.’

“After seven years under this administration, there seems to be a sudden rush of big-ticket, big-money items Council would like to get out the door before they kick the bucket,” said George Smitherman. “I’m calling for the mayor and council to put off the major spending decisions that will tie the hands of the next council and get in the way of the change Toronto needs.”

In the lead-up to the final City Council meeting of the current term on August 25^th, various committees are meeting all week to develop their wish lists to be decided next week. Highlights of items being contemplated include:

• The TTC’s rushed move to a new open payment system that jeopardizes provincial funding and is out of synch with the GTA-wide Presto Card;

• The decision over a new TTC Headquarters and Museum, at a time when service on the TTC is not meeting expectations;

• The push to create an Office of Independent Counsel for Toronto councilors (Item EX 46.2), an idea which should be killed immediately.

“It’s time to end the waste and get City Hall working for the people of Toronto again – Council should not make that task anymore difficult than it already is,” added Smitherman. “Council should be focused on delivering the basics better – let’s fix our corduroy roads, let’s clean up the TTC and our parks and let’s stop nickel and diming taxpayers at every turn.”
 

 

BACKGROUNDER: City Council’s Bucket List

Various council committees, including Executive Committee, Planning and Growth Management, Public Works and Infrastructure and the Toronto Transit Commission, are meeting this week in preparation for the final meeting of the current term of Toronto City Council, which begins on August 25^th. Items on the Council’s ‘bucket list’ for decision, are expected to include:

• TTC Fare Payment System. An RFP has already been issued with an expectation of a deal being awarded by November 30, 2010.

• TTC Headquarters and Transit Museum. Active consideration is being given to various sites for the new corporate headquarters.

• GM 33.5 – Real Estate Acquisition – TTC Second Exit Program. Authorizes city to begin expropriation process.

• EX 46.2 – Establish an Office of Independent Counsel. City manager is recommending the Executive Committee receive this report.

• EX 46.6 – Start-Up Financing for Build Toronto. Report is recommending $160M be guaranteed for the agency over 5 years.

• PG 40.10 – Final Report & Statutory Public Meeting on the Draft Zoning By-law. A one-size-fits-all zoning bylaw that has controversial, significant impacts city-wide.

• PW 35.10 – Garbage Collection – For Tenants Above Commercial Properties. Authorizes city to investigate ways to levy bag tags for some tenants.

• PW 35.12 – Gardiner Expressway Interchange Reconfiguration – Municipal Class EA. No funding source is identified in the city’s 10-year capital plan for this reconfiguration.

• Deputy Mayor Joe Pantalone signaled last week his intention to bring forward a motion to add more inspections for Multi-Unit Residential buildings. No details are yet available.

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12 August 2010

New website a one-stop-shop for Rob Ford's thoughts

(Toronto, ON) - Earlier this afternoon, FordOnFord.com went live - a web site devoted to sharing Councillor Rob Ford's most memorable quotes from his 10-year career at Toronto City Hall.

"We think it's important the public be given an opportunity to see and hear Rob in his own words. If you start from the principle of 'buyer beware' people need to know what he stands for," said Bruce Davis, George Smitherman's Campaign Manager. 

FordOnFord.com is a multi-functional web portal that allows voters in Toronto direct access to Rob Ford's choicest musings. Voters are encouraged to visit the web site to hear about Councillor Ford's views on everything from Asians ("Orientals" to Mr. Ford) to cyclists. The site will be updated over the course of the campaign to ensure Torontonians have a complete picture of the City Councillor's true beliefs.

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12 August 2010

   

11 August 2010

03 August 2010

If you ride a bike in the City of Toronto and think Rob Ford cares about you or your safety, think again.

Here’s what Ford thinks about cyclists:

Rob Ford on Rob Ford: 

“Roads are built for buses, cars and trucks… my heart bleeds when someone gets killed, but it’s their own fault at the end of the day.”
-Toronto Star, March 8, 2007

… cyclists are nothing but “a pain in the ass”.
-Toronto Star, March 26, 2009.

FACT: Some 24,000 people in Toronto cycle to work. Many more ride bikes for recreation and exercise. 

FACT: Each year in Toronto there are at least 1,000 cyclists involved in collisions.

FACT: Rob Ford has been on council for 10 years and done nothing to make roads safer for cyclists or motorists.  He’s actually been a big part of the problem.

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30 July 2010

Having failed to kill the popular Toronto 311 service before its launch, Rob Ford then moved unsuccessfully to gut its effectiveness, calling for the elimination of 21 new staff needed to help callers.

Rob Ford loves to talk about the importance of answering phone calls and improving customer service at City Hall.  The problem is Rob won’t put any money where his mouth is. In fact, his record shows he’s part of the problem when it comes to making customer service a priority at City Hall.

FACT: At a special meeting of Toronto City Council on December 10, 2008, Rob Ford moved a motion “amending the Capital Budget and 2009-2013 Capital Plan for the 3-1-1 Customer Services Strategy by eliminating the 3-1-1 Call Centre, with $9.236 million allocated in 2009, and a total cost of $13.970 million.” 

Only two other councillors supported Rob Ford’s proposed cut to this service. 

FACT: At the March 31, 2009 meeting of Council, Rob Ford was at it again moving: “That the 2009 Operating Budget for the 311 Customer Service Strategy be reduced by eliminating 21 new positions, for a savings of $1,194,000.”

Again Rob Ford`s motion was defeated with 37 councillors voting to maintain this important service.

A published report this morning indicates that in June, 311 operators answered 5,000 calls per day, up from 3,300 in May with the number of e-mails taking a similar jump.

Rob Ford has made billions and billions of promises on subways alone and hundreds of millions more in revenue reductions without saying what services he will cut to pay for those promises.  A safe bet is that the popular Toronto 311 service will be among the first on his chopping block, again.

It’s clear Rob Ford won’t debate his plan because he doesn’t have one.

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29 July 2010

For Immediate Release

Radio advertisements unveiled to promote transportation plan

(Toronto) – Mayoral candidate George Smitherman today stood in the midst of seemingly endless construction on Bloor Street to discuss his plan to minimize days lost to roadwork on Toronto’s roads.

“Drivers have come to expect two seasons in Toronto: winter and construction. But it’s frustrating when roadwork sites are empty and idle by the time rush hour rolls around,” said George Smitherman. “In the same way we reduced wait times to the lowest in Canada – by establishing benchmarks, dedicating ourselves to actually meeting the aggressive goals – and succeeding – Toronto can do the same for road repairs and end the endless days of disruption,” said Smitherman.

As part of his integrated transportation plan to get Toronto moving again, Smitherman’s pledge to reduce the ‘Days of Disruption’ lost to road repairs means:

• Setting and publishing benchmarks – so drivers have an expectation of how long it should take to fix a pothole, dig up a street or repair a bridge.
• Implementing a new standard in construction contracts – including clear expectations for when a project should be complete and incentives for earlier completion.
• Creating a ‘disruption index’ – available online – to track construction hot spots in real time, to be synched with GPS units and apps.
• Better coordination with utility companies and between city agencies, including the TTC and Toronto Hydro, that must dig into roads – tying executive compensation at these agencies to cooperation.

“We can’t stop construction – but we can speed it up. By working smarter and for longer hours – around the clock on key roadwork projects if we have to – my plan will get you where you need to go faster and get this city moving again,” added Smitherman. “In the same way I led the charge to reduce wait times in health care, I will bring my experience to bear on reducing road work delays. It can be done!”

Smitherman also announced that a series of campaign radio ads will begin airing tomorrow that speak to ending the Days of Disruption on our roads. The ads are available online at GeorgeSmitherman.ca.

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28 July 2010

22 July 2010

21 July 2010

Ms. Fay Booker, Chairperson
Mr. John Kernahan, General Manager

Niagara Parks Commission

Oak Hall Administrative Office
7400 Portage Road South
Niagara Falls, Ontario L2E 6T2

Dear Ms. Booker and Mr. Kernahan,

As a Member of Provincial Parliament, Member of the Executive Council and as Deputy Premier of Ontario, I worked over many years to support stronger ties between Toronto and Niagara Falls.

From GO train service between our two cities, investments in the Niagara Park Commission (NPC)’s People Mover and the new convention centre project – to name just a few – I could always be counted on to encourage ties that bind. Indeed, tourist operators in Niagara Falls have always known that I felt that Toronto and Niagara Falls need each other.

It is with utter dismay and simmering anger that I learn that the NPC, an agency of the Government of Ontario, has resorted to building itself up at the expense of Toronto.  That's just not right. 

Niagara Falls is a great city, but hardly without fault. Imagine if Toronto turned the tables and played to Niagara Falls’ perceived weaknesses.

Do the right thing and immediately abandon your ill-advised, immature advertising campaign which serves nobody's interests.

Niagara Falls’ strengths can easily be portrayed without running down the home town of 2.5 million people. After all, you do have one of the wonders of the world on your side.

Sincerely,

George Smitherman
Candidate for Mayor
City of Toronto

20 July 2010

For Immediate Release

Ford says his platform “is coming” – but so is Christmas

Under attack for failing to offer any of the specific details behind billions and billions of dollars in transit promises, Rob Ford promised that his platform was coming.

“Absolutely a platform is coming,” Rob Ford told the National Post on June 15, 2010.  Now 35 days later, the wait for the specifics of Rob Ford’s transit and other promises continues.

Perhaps the Toronto Sun’s Sue-Ann Levy put it best in her July 4, 2010 column when she wrote:

“To be frank, his [Rob Ford’s] policy needs to be articulated in more detail. He can’t just talk about cutting council in half and ending the parties at City Hall. He needs to tell citizens what he’ll do to improve customer service and what spending he will cut.”

Given that most of the analysis done on Rob Ford’s statements to date hasn’t backed up what Rob Ford is saying, it’s time for him to release the details of his plan (assuming he actually has one) so Torontonians can judge for themselves whether it stands up to scrutiny.

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14 July 2010

“The Aquatic Work Group has long advocated that every child should have the right to swim and that the public needs greater accessibility to our pools and programs. This summer has underscored the need for Torontonians to support safe recreational swimming. It is good to see this approach.”

Hon. David Crombie, Chair, Aquatic Work Group and former Mayor, City of Toronto
July 14, 2010

 

“George’s plan for swimming in Toronto is refreshing. Not only will it be great for kids, but he has committed to work with all of the players to take advantage of existing resources. This is great news for the aquatic community in Toronto.”

Karen Pitre, President, Toronto Sports Council
July 13, 2010

 

“The Red Cross commends and is committed to supporting any strategy that will see increased access to safe recreational swimming, as well as swimming and water safety education for children. Collaborative strategies such as the one proposed by Mr. Smitherman will bring together policy makers, governments and program providers to ensure water safety education reaches as many people as possible.”

Lorraine Davies, Provincial Director, Injury Prevention, Canadian Red Cross Society

 

“The Lifesaving Society enthusiastically supports your initiative.”

Barbara Byers, Public Education Director, Lifesaving Society

 

 

13 July 2010

Federal government put on notice that Torontonians will not accept a snub of our status as Canada's Financial Capital

(25 The Esplanade) – Mayoral candidate George Smitherman said today that Toronto is the natural home for the headquarters of a new national securities regulator and put the federal government on notice that Torontonians will not accept any watering down of our status as Canada's financial capital.

"I appreciate and applaud the Prime Minister's attempts to convince other provinces to sign onto the creation of a new national securities regulator but I do not accept that the way to do so is by watering down Toronto's status as Canada's financial capital," Smitherman said.

Smitherman was reacting to news the federal government was considering a decentralized structure for a new regulator, with Montreal, Calgary, Vancouver and Toronto all hosting regional offices.

"You wouldn't locate the headquarters of the National Energy Board anywhere other than Calgary. If a new national securities regulator is to be created, its headquarters must be in Toronto," Smitherman said.

According to the Toronto Financial Services Alliance, Toronto is home to:

• 10 Domestic Banks, 18 Foreign Bank Subsidiaries and 21 Branches of Foreign Banks;
• 129 Securities Firms, 60 Life Insurers and 130 Property & Casualty Insurance companies; and
• The headquarters for the majority of the $700 billion investment management industry.

"I say to the federal government, my Canada includes Toronto and so should yours. Don't take the success of Toronto's financial services community for granted."

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13 July 2010

For Immediate Release

Toronto mayoral candidate says new design good news for recreation and waterfront

(Toronto) – Mayoral candidate George Smitherman today congratulated Mayor David Miller, Ward 30 Councillor Paula Fletcher and members of the design team for their work in obtaining changes to the design of the new Don Lands arena to better reflect the prime waterfront real estate it will be occupying.

“On May 14th, I added my voice to those including Ken Greenberg, Christopher Hume and members of the blue-ribbon design team guiding Waterfront Toronto's redevelopment in calling for the proposed design to be rejected if it was not changed.  I am glad that the Mayor and Councillor Fletcher have shown leadership in altering those plans. The new plan is much better,” Smitherman said.

“The design first proposed resembled a sprawling big box at the water’s edge.  I am confident these new plans better reflect the enormous potential for this community,” Smitherman said.

Smitherman noted the Don Lands Arena issue was of particular importance to him as it touches on three of his priorities for the city: recognizing that Toronto is a waterfront community, his plan to lead a “recreational renaissance” as Toronto’s next Mayor and completing the Waterfront LRT to this site in time for the 2015 Pan AM Games.

“Toronto needs more arenas and it needs to both protect and enhance its waterfront. Today’s announcement will do both and that is good news for everyone,” Smitherman added. 

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12 July 2010

For Immediate Release

Smitherman Calls on TTC To Stop Talk of Expropriation and Listen to Neighbourhood

Council Candidate Jane Pitfield and local residents join call for TTC to listen

(Strathmore Blvd, Toronto) – Standing in front of 247 Strathmore Boulevard, a home built almost 100 years ago, Toronto mayoral candidate George Smitherman spoke to residents about the TTC’s rushed plans to expropriate and demolish houses for a second TTC subway station exit.

“I’m here today to join with the community to tell the TTC their actions are unacceptable. We say: ‘slow down, listen to the concerns of the community and take the time to get this right,’” said Smitherman. “For an idea that has been around for eight years, why the sudden rush by the TTC to have this wrapped up by August? The TTC has more pressing issues to be dealing with.”

In early June, residents along Strathmore Boulevard in the Danforth and Coxwell neighbourhood, received unaddressed mail from the TTC informing them of plans to expropriate houses in the middle of the residential block for second exits from the Donlands and Greenwood subway stations. A public consultation meeting was held and residents were informed that the TTC would be making a decision this week on proceeding with the expropriation of houses on Strathmore Boulevard.

“The TTC’s wanton disregard for listening to the concerns of the neighbourhood is completely unacceptable. They need to find a solution that does not rip apart the fabric of this neighbourhood. I commend Jane Pitfield and the local residents for fighting for the community they love,” Smitherman added.

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07 July 2010

I'm pleased to see the Toronto Police Services Board decided yesterday to conduct an independent review of the actions of Toronto police during the G20. The Board should be commended for having the courage to seek answers to the many unanswered questions that remain in the wake of that event. I have confidence that Chief Blair is best to apply the lessons learned going forward.

However, as I called for last Monday, I believe an independent review that looks at the entirety of the situation is required - including the planning, coordination, budget and the exercise of authority. Each of these questions touch on multiple organizations and all three levels of government.  Without the federal and provincial government’s full support and cooperation, this independent review cannot hope to get answers to all of the questions that need to be answered.  

Let's be so bold as to learn from Toronto's G20 experience, answer those questions that remain and move confidently forward as a mature, world-class city.

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07 July 2010

The latest in a series of electricity sector blackouts leaves a clear choice for the reliability of our electricity supply going forward.

Make no mistake, disruption like the one we just experienced are costly, they disrupt commerce and they force people to add in back up transformers that would otherwise be redundant.

To be sure, Hydro One or whomever was at fault should be forced to compensate customers for their extreme inconvenience.

I favour keeping Toronto Hydro in public hands – but I think they need to suffer consequences if their performance leaves us in the dark or simmering in extreme heat

This aspect of corporate responsibility is badly missing from today's electricity sector. I made some good strides in this area when I served as Ontario Energy Minister.

Bottom line. We expect reliability.

This discussion of liability is where it really starts to get interesting.  There are basically two paths. One, the one favoured by many of the engineering types who dominated the sector through Ontario Hydro, is that like an F5 Tornado we carve a third transmission line out of Toronto.  Perhaps they missed the uproar caused when some homes were to be sacrificed for enhanced subway access?

The second path. The one I prefer, makes us more reliable and richer at the
same time.

Torontonians send hundreds of millions of dollars each year to buy electricity generated elsewhere in Ontario. That means we import thousands of MWs of electricity each day.

By generating more of that electricity in Toronto not only would Torontonians get to keep the money, even more importantly, we would eliminate the threat of a third transmission line.

I support keeping Toronto Hydro in public hands so we can use it as a tool to keep us reliable and produce some more jobs in the meantime.

05 July 2010

"Councillor Mammoliti and I have known each other for a long time and I admire him. He puts energy behind his convictions to get things done - we've seen that with his advocacy for the Toronto Zoo and his work on social housing in particular. He ran a spirited campaign full of new ideas to get Toronto working again. I will miss him on the campaign trail, but look forward to working closely with him in the future."

02 July 2010

For Immediate Release

Smitherman Promises To Turn Schools Into Community Hubs

Calls for greater co-operation between City Hall and School Boards

(Etobicoke) – Today at Etobicoke’s Alderwood Centre, one of Toronto’s only mixed-use education and city facilities, Toronto Mayoral candidate George Smitherman called for creating more true community hubs to give Torontonians more local space.

“Every neighbourhood has a school. Every school has space during evenings and weekends that local residents should be able to use for recreation, education and entertainment,” said George Smitherman.

“We can literally triple or quadruple the amount of space available to communities overnight, without the cost of building new facilities. This is a no-brainer.”

As Mayor, Smitherman will end the bureaucratic infighting that is preventing this cooperation. He pledged to ensure a better working relationship between City Hall and Toronto’s four publicly-funded school boards, to allow:

• One window booking. There is only one taxpayer and we should reduce overlap as much as possible to reduce costs. This means “one-window” booking of community programs and space—either in person or online—and turning surplus schools into full community centres.

• Supporting vulnerable communities and children. Schools have the unique ability to reach every child and to identify families and communities in need. As Mayor, George Smitherman will work with school boards to provide pre-school child care spaces that dovetail with Ontario’s Early Learning initiative and nutritional support to pre-school and school aged children.

• Enhancing every neighbourhood. Local schools should be full-service hubs integrating city services, with enhanced green space and police officers as resources and public health nurses in schools.

• A Recreation Renaissance. George Smitherman will end the fighting over pools, implement a SwimPass to allow every child the chance to learn to swim and invest $15M in programming targeted at children.

“Community hubs are the wave of the future – a smart idea to reduce poverty and isolation and provide support for people in need. We can have a safer, more creative and caring city– that is the Toronto I want,” Smitherman said.

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______________

Next Toronto Mayor Must Coordinate Public Spaces For Our Neighbourhoods And Kids

As Toronto’s next Mayor, George Smitherman will improve the way the City works with our four publicly-funded school boards. There is only one taxpayer and we need to improve services and reduce costs. We need better coordination.

George Smitherman’s plan:

Schools

1. One-window booking: Torontonians should be able to go to one place, either a service window or online, to get permits for swimming pools, gyms, school theatres and fields and to book recreation programs. George Smitherman will work with the school boards to make this happen.  Over time, the City booking system will be able to add other community spaces, such as church halls.
2. Land acquisition and development: With declining enrolment, school boards are looking at closing schools and selling properties. The City needs to consider a long-term acquisition strategy to maintain these public spaces in neighbourhoods. Schools can be used for green space, non-profit/mixed housing, community services and other uses compatible with adjacent neighbourhoods. BUILD Toronto and the city’s real estate department should be assigned to develop an integrated school lands program.
3. Sustainable schools: George Smitherman’s eco-program aims to reduce Toronto’s environmental footprint. Schools are a great place to spur all of Toronto to do more. We can reduce solid waste, increase recycling and distributed micro-composting, increase tree planting, conserve energy, increase walking and cycling to schools and improve the natural habitat of the city through eco-volunteerism, and will use city departments to coordinate these eco-action activities. Let’s encourage each secondary school to push students to use 50 per cent of their community service hours for environmental initiatives.

Communities

1. Supporting vulnerable communities and children. Schools not only reach every child; they also can identify families and communities in need. George Smitherman will work with school boards to provide pre-school child care spaces that dovetail with the province’s Early Learning initiative and provide nutritional support to pre-school and school aged children. Let’s also shift public health nurses out of downtown offices into schools and other community locations, like Community Health Centres.
2. Full-service schools/community hubs: Schools are at the centre of every neighbourhood. Other candidates see only the schools; George Smitherman sees schools as full-service community hubs. These hubs are places where Torontonians can access public health, police, children’s services, parks and recreation, library services and other community resources such as community health centres and Children’s Aid.  People wouldn’t need to go to a number of places—they could just go to the neighbourhood school. But George Smitherman feels that community hubs must be safe for our children. He believes that the city’s harmonized zoning by-law should reflect the broader use of school facilities. He’ll work with the City and school board officials to develop a definition of community hubs that makes sure our schools are compatible with the neighbourhoods they’re in.
3. Green spaces in neighbourhoods: George Smitherman will work with school boards to make sure that school spaces are enhanced through community gardens and urban farming, well maintained sports fields (including some four-season fields with bubbles and field turf), and signature sites for the development of football, soccer, rugby and cricket programs.
4. Community safety: George Smitherman will hire 50 or more new police officers. They’ll target guns and gangs, emphasizing community and youth engagement through schools and youth activities. George Smitherman will calm the traffic around schools too. He will introduce community safety zones around every school so that traffic speeds are reduced and fines are increased for speeding infractions.

Recreation Renaissance

1. Learn-to-swim: George Smitherman will make sure that every child will have the opportunity to learn to swim by the end of Grade 5; the City will create a swimming passport (SwimPass) so that every child in the city can achieve the basic level of swimming regardless of whether they get this instruction from the city, school boards, non-profits or private pools in condos or apartment buildings.
2. Working together: We need to stop fighting over pools and work together on swimming programs. The City will become a full participant with the Toronto Aquatic Working Group headed by former mayor David Crombie to integrate aquatic programs and pools and expand access to swimming for all ages.
3. Youth programming: George Smitherman will allocate $15-million a year directly to community organizations serving children and youth so that they can run programs in city or school board or non-profit facilities. This would include all types of sports and recreation organizations.
4. Pan-Am Proud: George Smitherman will make sure that children and youth play a key role as the city prepares to host the Pam-Am countries. Picking up on one of the most successful initiatives of the Vancouver Winter Games, Toronto’s youth will be asked to volunteer as ambassadors and will be integrally involved in the hosting of our games.

 

24 June 2010

"I have been a longstanding supporter of Pride - and all that it represents as a powerful symbol of unity, inclusiveness and diversity. I find it entirely objectionable that the parade is being hijacked and threatened by a sideshow that has nothing to do with Pride itself. Unfortunately there are still those in our city who would look for any reason to deny funding and support for Pride, and this only plays into their hands.  I reject categorically the term 'Israeli Apartheid' - it is as odious a term as it is divisive. The unfortunate reality is the previous ban was not enforceable by a volunteer organization and the entire event was in jeopardy. Pride is too important an event to be hijacked. I will march in Pride - as I've done in each of the last 24 years - in solidarity with the LGBT community and in proud celebration of the progress Toronto's gay community has achieved."

23 June 2010

For Immediate Release

Smitherman: Service First For Toronto Means More Cops, Less Spending

Time To End Mediocrity With Plan For A Safer, Cleaner City

(TORONTO) – Speaking on the first anniversary of the notorious Toronto garbage strike, mayoral candidate George Smitherman said it’s time to put “service first” for City residents.

“I’m interested in quality improvements to the services the city provides residents – improvements that are going to make a real and lasting difference,” said George Smitherman. “Quality is not about saving a dollar here and there, it’s about providing real service to the citizens who need and pay for it, every single day.”

Speaking to several hundred people before the Canadian Club of Toronto and Empire Club of Canada, Smitherman outlined his comprehensive plan to improve Toronto’s most important services – police, fire and emergency services, parks and recreation, garbage collection and recycling. Highlights of Smitherman’s Core Service platform, include:

• Hiring at least 50 additional police officers from savings in overtime and traffic court costs;
  • An immediate review of City services and spending, with a $2 million rollback of the Mayor’s and Councillors’ budgets;
  • More drinking fountains in parks and public places and clean, new showers at the beaches;
  • One-stop online booking of rinks and recreational facilities;
  • Public, online feedback kiosks so residents can immediately rate how they’re being served; and
  • An unbiased, scientific review of Toronto’s waste management, more user-friendly recycling and composting and contracting out of garbage service where it makes sense.

“A year ago to this day was the first full day of a garbage strike which left Toronto in chaos,” Smitherman said. “When it comes to garbage collection, where service can be improved for a cheaper cost, I will look at outsourcing. I will put Service First in every decision I make as mayor.”

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22 June 2010

For Immediate Release

Smitherman Promises to Combine Fire and Emergency Services

Single Response Puts Service and Safety First

(Toronto) – Standing in front of Toronto EMS Station 40, Mayoral Candidate George Smitherman today called for Toronto’s Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to be combined, to improve safety and responsiveness for Torontonians when they call for help.

“It’s part of my plan to put Service First for Torontonians,” Smitherman said. “Often fire teams arrive first on the scene of life-threatening injuries. We need to take advantage of the speed of response of Toronto Fire and the high level of paramedical skill of Toronto EMS in a single, integrated service.”

As an important part of Smitherman’s Service First plan – to be announced on Wednesday – this pledge calls for:

• Empowering the fire department to add full-scope paramedical response units when appropriate to the call;

• Combining the administrative functions of Fire and EMS dispatch;

• Designating the combined service an essential service; and

• Creating a multi-stakeholder committee, including fire and EMS, that will design an integrated system of emergency response for life-threatening emergency calls.

From a report entitled Saving a Life in 6.0 Minutes or Less, authored by the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs and the Ontario Professional Fire Fighters’ Association, a combined fire and EMS system can save lives: “The best way to reduce response times is to better utilize the fire departments ... greater use of the fire department in Winnipeg has cut emergency medical response time in half.” The overall survival rate for life-threatening calls in Ontario communities is 2.5 per cent which is among the lowest in the Western world.  Calgary and Seattle – both communities with integrated fire and EMS services – have survival rates 4 to 6 times higher than that of Ontario.

This is also an initiative designed to be more efficient with limited city resources. Since 2003, the budgets at more than 50 city departments have grown faster than the rate of inflation.

“A combined first-response force is a best practice found in many other jurisdictions but not yet in Toronto.  It can literally save lives. This combined service will be an essential service with no strike option,” added Smitherman.  “Putting Service First will ensure your City Hall is more focused, careful with your money and accountable.”

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20 June 2010

For Immediate Release

Smitherman Champions Great City on a Great Lake

Vows Every Child be Given Chance to Learn to Swim

(Woodbine Beach) – Toronto is a great city, but it’s time we remember that it’s a Great Lake city too, George Smitherman said today. While the federal government is spending our tax dollars on a fake lake for the G20 summit, Toronto sits on a beautiful, real lake—a fact Smitherman feels should be celebrated.

“Torontonians should be able to swim at our beaches and our kids should know how to swim. Our water should be second to none. A great waterfront—a real one—attracts visitors and brings us closer to the environment. In the 21^st century, water is quickly becoming the world’s most important resource,” Smitherman said. “There are many people in Toronto, and some in Ottawa, who forget that we are a great city on a Great Lake – Lake Ontario should be a greater source of recreation and sport.”

Standing across from the Donald D. Summerville Olympic Pools, Smitherman announced that as mayor, he will develop a plan with swimming organizations to launch a swimming passport, to ensure every child in Toronto can get basic swimming lessons by Grade 5, regardless if they get their instruction from the city, school boards, non-profits or private pools.

Smitherman also announced that as mayor, he will:

• Personally champion Toronto’s participation in the international Blue Flag swimmable beaches program. Right now people sometimes wonder whether our beaches are clean and swimmable—George will make sure everyone knows whenever they are. See http://blueflag.ca/drupal/?q=mediacentre/readnews/808);

• Install showers at Toronto's beaches – 20 cold water showers at seven beaches by 2014;

• Encourage the TTC to operate seasonal/weekend express Toronto beach buses, allowing residents to get to the beach quickly and easily;

• Ensure the Waterfront LRT is complete by 2015 to get to Cherry/Clark beaches and enjoy them;

• Ensure our beaches stay clean. Toronto has spent a generation separating its storm water from residential runoff; now it’s time to review that technology. Ontario seeks to be a world leader in water technology so let’s have a system in place to make sure we use the best, designed right here, working in close partnership with the federal and provincial governments.

“The City, school boards and organizations need to end the bickering over facilities and work together to teach our children to swim at an early age,” said Smitherman. “I will bring people together to lead a recreational renaissance, starting with our commitment to swimming.”

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18 June 2010

A Friday morning wake up call for Rob Ford

Good morning Rob... it’s time you answered some questions

One more chance:

Rob, you've avoided the tough questions all week. So much for your reputation of being a 'straight-talkin' city councillor.'

But here's another chance:

1) You promised to cut the number of councillors in half. At least a dozen times in a dozen different debates - so far. This would only happen if councillors themselves agree to it (good luck.) Even if they did, that wouldn't save a nickle until December 2014. Yet you've spent that money over and over again - most recently, your pledge to spend $15 million a year to hire 100 police officers and put them in schools. Sounds great - but that's a $60 million hole over the next four years. So which is it - will the schools have to wait or do your numbers not add up?

2) At the CP24 debate you said: “street cars no way – we have to go with subways.” You mentioned Eglinton and Sheppard as two prime subway lines - which alone would cost $6.7 billion (with a 'b'!) to construct. Trouble is, you have never actually said how you plan to pay for these lines, other than talking about “air rights” which is nothing but hot air. Then you told a recent debate that transit isn't a top priority. Which is it – will you build new subways or not? If so, where – and how are you going to pay for them? 

3) Since you were first elected, taxpayers have paid you over $1,034,281 in salary and benefits. Yet, you are also the Chief Financial Officer of Deco Labels & Tags. You've described yourself as a 'businessman' first, never a 'politician.' If you haven’t been a full-time councillor, why have you been cashing a full-time taxpayer-funded pay cheque for 10 years?

4) You told the National Post that you could save $500-million at each and every council meeting. That's half of the city’s budget over the course of a year. How is it credible to promise to cut the city’s budget in half while at the same time promising to build new subways, hiring more police and subsidizing rents (to name just a few of your unfunded promises)?

In one short part-time week (although, we know it's felt like a long one for you), you've failed to account for $6.76 Billion in new spending and how you'll save half the city's budget in one year - all while collecting a full-time salary.

We'd be happy with a part-time answer. Toronto deserves answers. It's not good enough to simply show up.

18 June 2010

For Immediate Release

Smitherman Launches Campaign in Scarborough

Promises stronger Scarborough Community Council if elected

(Scarborough) – Speaking to over 500 supporters at the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto, mayoral candidate George Smitherman officially launched his Scarborough campaign.

“For too long Scarborough has been treated as second-class citizens by City Hall. No more. I am so proud of the incredible diversity, growth and sheer beauty of this part of Toronto,” said George Smitherman. “We will campaign in every corner of this city and as mayor, I will work for every corner of this city – Scarborough’s future is my future.”

Joined by political leaders - past and present, Smitherman used the occasion to announce a series of initiatives in support of a renewed Scarborough, including:

• Empowering community councils – including Scarborough’s – to make final decisions on matters of local concern. This proposal also includes a pledge to have local citizens sitting alongside city councillors to have a direct say in Scarborough’s affairs.
• Opening a Scarborough mayoral office at Scarborough Civic Centre and a pledge to work regularly, every month from Scarborough;
• Converting the Scarborough RT into a full subway within 10 years; and
• Extending the new Sheppard LRT line to the University of Toronto’s Scarborough Campus and new aquatic centre.

“As a candidate, I’m not prepared to give up on any part of this city. As mayor, I’ll work regularly from Scarborough and be its biggest booster. Scarborough has a long tradition of innovative ideas – like Adopt-a-Park and I’ll work to bring those ideas city-wide. Scarborough will lead again!” added Smitherman.

Smitherman was joined at the rally by several prominent Scarborough politicians, including former PC MPP and Cabinet Minister Dan Newman, Ontario’s Minister of Energy Brad Duguid, former Ontario Speaker Alvin Curling, MPs John Cannis and Derek Lee and MPPs Bas Balkissoon and Lorenzo Berardinetti.

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17 June 2010

A Thursday morning wake up call for Rob Ford

Good morning Rob... it’s time you answered some questions

Keeping things simple:

Rob you are fond of saying that talk of millions and billions confuse people so you like to keep things simple.  Simple is good for storytelling, but accurate and honest is better when you are running for Mayor.

Earlier this week, it seems you got a bit confused yourself as you tried to over-simplify things for Toronto voters.

Eager to prove your fiscal competence, the opposite was revealed.  You told the National Post that you could save $500-million at each and every council meeting. Asked for details, you refused to provide any.

$500 million?  Half a billion dollars in savings... every time Council meets?  Really? 

We know you have never sat on the city’s budget committee – but, just so you know, that works out to cutting half of the city’s budget over the course of a year.

So please tell us – how exactly do you plan on cutting the equivalent of 5% of the city’s operating budget every time Council meets?  And how is it credible to promise to cut the city’s budget in half while at the same time promising to build new subways, hiring more police and subsidizing rents (to name just a few of your unfunded promises)?

The details on this one should be interesting...

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16 June 2010

A Wednesday morning wake up call for Rob Ford

Good morning Rob... it’s time you answered some questions

The million dollar part-time councillor:

In return for their full-time salary, councillors are expected to work full-time.

Rob, since you were first elected, taxpayers have paid you over $1,034,281 in salary and benefits.

The problem is you have another job.  A real busy one.

You are also the Chief Financial Officer of Deco Labels & Tags.  It’s your family’s business and it’s pretty big: over 250 employees in Toronto, Chicago and New Jersey and close to $100 million in annual sales.

Most CFOs will tell you they usually work more than 60 hours a week.  Given the fact that you always describe yourself as a “businessman” and never as a “politician,” it’s clear which job has been your priority.

It’s no wonder your fellow councillors have described you as being: “poorly briefed on reports and frequently absent from debates and votes.”

The real question is - if you haven’t been a full-time councillor – why have you been cashing a full-time pay cheque?

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15 June 2010

For Immediate Release

A Tuesday morning wake up call for Rob Ford

Good morning Rob... it's time you answered some questions

Transit and gridlock:

Rob, your comments on transit have people confused. Everywhere you go you say, "I like subways... I don't like streetcars." At the CP24 debate you said: "street cars no way – we have to go with subways." You have even gone so far as to tell the National Post that you have identified two new subway lines as priorities (Eglinton and Sheppard).

When Torontonians hear you say these things, they actually think you are going to build subways. By the way, those two lines alone are $6.7 billion.

But you have been kinda sneaky on this Rob – you have never actually said how you planned to pay for any transit improvements or expansion other than talking about "air rights" which is nothing but hot air and won't get you very far.

In fact you have done the opposite. You also told folks twice during the CP24 debate that transit wasn't a big priority. Not a priority? Really?

Which is it – will there be new subways or not – if so, where exactly – and how are you going to pay for them?

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14 June 2010

For Immediate Release

A Monday morning wake up call for Rob Ford
Good morning Rob ... It's time you answered some questions

Rob Ford likes to sell himself as a numbers guy, but often his numbers don't make any sense. Take for instance his promise to cut the number of councillors in half. A promise that can only be kept if councillors themselves agree to it (at best a long-shot and more likely an impossibility). And even then, it would not result in a penny of savings until December 2014.

Despite these facts – Rob Ford has tried to use these imaginary "savings" to pay for his promise to spend $15 million a year to hire 100 police officers and put them in schools.

Over four years, that's $60 million in new spending before we see any savings.

Which is it Rob? Will the schools have to wait or do your numbers not add up?

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08 June 2010

For Immediate Release

Smitherman Campaign Challenges Ford To Come Clean on Costs

Campaign pegs costs of Ford’s transit promises alone at $6.7 Billion – so far

(Toronto) – As the top mayoral candidates prepare for the second televised debate tonight, George Smitherman’s campaign is challenging Rob Ford to come clean on the cost of his transit promises so far and has signalled that Mr. Ford’s free ride on making promises without costing is over.

“Ford hasn’t even bothered to write his transit plan on the back of a napkin,” said Bruce Davis, George Smitherman’s campaign manager. “After he’s stopped watering the plants, cancelled free zoo passes and cut council in half – how does he intend to pay for all the subways he’s promised?”

In every mayoral debate so far, Rob Ford has promised to build subways in place of streetcars and light rail lines. Echoing this pledge, the National Post on April 29 said: “Mr. Ford has always been against streetcars, and he said a vote for him would be a vote against expanding that mode of transit. He mentioned Sheppard and the Eglinton line as two possible subway candidates.” He repeated this pledge at last night’s Parkview Hills debate but without a hint of how he intends to pay for his promises.

Rob Ford’s pledge to build subways on Eglinton (Phase 1) and Sheppard alone would amount to an extra $6.7 Billion over and above Metrolinx’s revised plan, given subways cost $300M per kilometre to construct. (Note this will cost the city significantly more than George Smitherman’s detailed, costed and affordable transportation plan for the entire city.) A visit to Mr. Ford’s web site to determine how he intends to pay for this promise is revealing:

Source: RobFordforMayor.ca. Accessed: 9:30a.m. June 8, 2010

“Maybe we should text Rob Ford to find out how he intends to pay for his subways. It’s not good enough to simply show up – Toronto deserves a plan to get our city moving and to hear how candidates will pay for it,” Davis added.

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08 June 2010

For Immediate Release

Smitherman Honoured With Chinese Name

Accepts invite to China to address municipal tourism conference

(Scarborough) – Toronto mayoral candidate George Smitherman was today presented with his Chinese name by leaders in Toronto’s Chinese community. His given name is “Shih Thern-Min”, which symbolizes his desire to revitalize the city and make it work for people.

“I am so incredibly honoured by this gesture from Toronto’s Chinese community,” said Smitherman. “I love the multiculturalism of this city – it defines us and gives us strength. I am determined to work with Toronto’s Chinese and other ethno-cultural communities to bring out the best of each and position Toronto well to seize global opportunities in the fastest-growing world economies.” 

Smitherman also announced that he has accepted an invitation from China’s Consul General in Toronto to travel to Zhengzhou, China from June 10 – 14, where he will join and address hundreds of international political leaders and municipal experts at a forum exploring world-leading ideas on promoting city tourism. He will also visit Shanghai and tour World Expo 2010. This brief trip will also allow Smitherman to:

• Gain a more fulsome understanding of Chinese culture, important given Toronto includes over 400,000 citizens of Chinese origin;
• Promote Toronto on the international stage by building friendly international relationships and promote mutual understanding; and
• Study firsthand some of the world’s newest and most efficient transportation infrastructure and technology in Shanghai, China.

“In this highly competitive global economy, Toronto cannot merely go with the flow. We need to stand out from the crowd and fight to attract every tourist possible to our great city. I look forward to hearing firsthand some of the strategies in use in our world’s great cities,” Smitherman said.  “This is an incredible opportunity.”

 

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04 June 2010

For Immediate Release

Smitherman Unveils pronTO

Plan Will Ensure Quality Customer Service In City Run Services

Today Toronto Mayoral candidate George Smitherman unveiled a customer service initiative that he would champion as Mayor. He calls this new initiative pronTO.

"Torontonians not only deserve quality services, they deserve quality customer service when dealing with city departments and agencies. As Mayor I will introduce pronTO to ensure that city residents and businesses doing business with the City are treated with respect and courtesy," Smitherman said.

"Imagine every employee being as helpful as our city librarians - that is what pronTO is all about," Smitherman added.

pronTO is:

• A Service First Approach designed to change the way the city thinks about customer service. It will apply to all branches of city government, all agencies, boards and commissions, including the Toronto Transit Commission.

pronTO will ensure:

• City's services are efficiently delivered with a focus on improving the customer/client experience. Not only will we make things work, but we will do it in a way that is appreciated by customers/clients.
• The small things are fixed before they get worse. From the cleaning of subway cars, to the fixing potholes and the processing applications, we will take the small steps as early as possible to make things better so that they don't get worse.
• There is new customer service training. Every branch of the City and its agencies will participate in pronTO customer service training (across branches) to help frontline city staff to rethink the customer service experience. pronTO certification will be mandatory for frontline staff.
• One-window service. Building on the 311 service pronTO will allow customers/clients to access services (pay bills, book courses, file applications) and information on-line and at storefront locations throughout the city; the staff at these locations will be trained to help the public to access services across all branches and ABCs.
• City staff help educate customers/clients on how they can best achieve their objectives. City staff will be allowed to "coach" customers/clients on how to fill out forms so that they are more likely to succeed.
• New hours of operation. City services will be available on selected days and at selected locations from 8am to 8pm.

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01 June 2010

For Immediate Release

Smitherman Radio Advertisements Call For End To Endless 'Days Of Disruption'
Positive ads a stark contrast to Republican-style attack ads launched by Rocco Rossi

(Toronto) – Four radio advertisements featuring mayoral candidate George Smitherman began airing last Friday on radio stations in Toronto. The ads promote George's ideas for getting Toronto moving again, with the first ad focusing specifically on his plan to minimize days lost to roadwork on our roads.

"The ads speak directly to George's integrated transportation plan – by far the most comprehensive plan offered by any of the candidates to get our city moving again," said Bruce Davis, Campaign Manager. "The first ad echoes the frustration George hears daily from drivers who are fed up with sitting in traffic, crawling past construction zones that have no construction going on."

The radio ads - including the first ad that began airing last Friday, attached to this release - cover the following topics:

• Ending unnecessary Days of Disruption – speaks specifically about George's idea to put a priority on speeding up roadwork construction contracts by including clear expectations and incentives in contracts for early completion.
• Obstacle Course – promotes the need for an integrated transportation system that doesn't mean an "obstacle course" for people to get home.
• Need for new transit system – "time to stop living off an outdated infrastructure built in the 50's and 60's"

In contrast, the Rocco Rossi campaign launched a pair of negative, Republican-style attack ads that began airing yesterday.

"I guess when you're running a fourth-place, stagnant campaign, you have no other option but to attack your opponents. The ads are simply wrong and a surprising sign of desperation from Mr. Rossi so early on," said Davis of the Rossi attack ads.

"People in Toronto want a big, bold, realistic vision for our city. George Smitherman is the only candidate with a plan to get Toronto moving and we're encouraged by the hugely positive feedback we've received since George launched his plan on Friday," Davis added.

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29 May 2010

George Smitherman's Keynote address at his May 28, 2010 Fundraiser Luncheon at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre:

Good afternoon.

Let me begin by saying thank you to David for serving as our Chair today. I came of age in politics with David Peterson – beginning way back in 1982.

Or, as my mom likes to say – it's all his fault!

And ever since, he's been there for me. As a boss. A friend. An advisor. And, of course, a supporter.

When he became Premier in 1985, there was such excitement that well wishers crammed the Legislature. They came in such large numbers, people worried the second floor might actually collapse.

Let's hope his example proves inspiring. Let's fill this city with the same sense of possibility and promise.

I of course want to thank all of you for being here. Especially Christopher, my Mom and my step-Dad.

Thank you for taking the time to show your support and more importantly, to help get Toronto Working again.

And I say that not simply because it's our campaign slogan. I say that because it truly is our cause.

It's my vision. And its our mission.

We need to get Toronto Working

We need to get Toronto Working in the sense that we need a city that works better. That makes families' lives more liveable. Their commutes less punishing. Their access to basic services more convenient and reliable.

Let me be crystal clear: I don't like it when I hear my opponents like Rob Ford run down the city. Toronto is an object of envy. And regularly contends as one of the best places to live in the world.

But the honest to goodness truth is that we've been resting on our laurels.

Local leaders cannot take this city's success for granted. They shouldn't be allowed to hide behind Toronto's blessings and use them as a shield to ward off difficult questions about what we should be doing but haven't. About the choices we must make to keep pace with competitors.

I see the chance to match Toronto's greatness with equally effective municipal leadership. To see mediocrity give way to motivation. To bring a new energy and deeper determination.

It starts by simply thinking about the job from the perspective of the people we serve – of folks who live and work here every day.

People are sick and tired of getting nickled and dimed at every turn. Of parking machines that don't work in the cold. Or subway escalators that seem permanently out of service.

Why aren't more streets freshly paved instead of littered with potholes? Why am I still using tokens? And how can it be that Toronto is actually more congested than LA, Miami or New York City?

It's these things that drive people nuts and leave them to ask if anyone in the Mayor's office is paying attention. When was the last time someone at City Hall put their hand up and said, "That's my job. And I'm going to fix it." Take the current lane closures on the Gardiner, you know the ones – where the lane is shut down even though there's hardly ever work being done.

On my watch, projects like that will be targeted for swift repair – I won't tolerate endless days of disruption.

The greatest symbol of needless disruption, of course, was last summer's garbage strike. For me, that was the moment I said: City Hall just doesn't get it. They squandered our summer and sullied our parks and soiled our neighbourhoods. And I said, never again.

You know, I didn't make the final decision to run until a few months later. After all, I had a pretty good job.

But in looking back, that was the turning point. That was the moment that I said "we can do better and I want to try."

So people are frustrated. Not because they don't love this city. But because they do.

They're frustrated because this city's leadership is letting them down.

And that, for me, is the whole point. I'm running to be Mayor to Get Toronto Working. To get things done.

To answer the big questions about transit and jobs and to address the basic things that can make life an unnecessary hassle.

I have the energy to fight the fights that matter. And I have the experience to finish them. And when we rally together – business, government, labour, government, citizens – then Toronto is unstoppable.

So let me tell you about my priorities. Transportation, Core Services and Jobs and Social Development.

These are the three that will define my campaign. And I will lay them out for you in exact detail beginning today with transportation.

Because if we're going to get Toronto Working again. We've got to get Toronto Moving again.

So I'll begin this afternoon with my plan for integrated transportation – or, to say it the way regular people would – my plan to get us home sooner.

And let's start by acknowledging the fact that for at least a generation we've been subjected to leadership that has largely let us down.

We've had plenty of talk but too little action. And it's really starting to show.

If you want to know the truth, the blueprint for today's Toronto was actually drawn on the desk of Fred Gardiner. Fifty years later, his remains the dominant vision that defines the way we move about our city.

That's a problem.

It's a problem because Fred Gardiner saw a city that was half our size surrounded by farmland. It's a problem because we are ten years into the 21st century and we're still arguing about new subway lines - instead of building new subway lines.

It's a problem because for four years money for the Spadina Subway extension to York has been earning interest in a bank account instead of paying workers to break ground and build track.

People feel the urgency. Why don't the politicians?

But remember, I've been in a position of leadership. I know what it takes. I know the difference between talk of innovation and actual innovation. I know how the deals are made, what the true costs are and where to draw the line between private and public interests

Well, I'm not going to shrink from ambition. When it comes to transportation – and transit in particular - getting things done means we build for today and we build for tomorrow. We've got to do for the next generation of Torontonians what Fred Gardiner did for the last.

That's the measuring stick against which I wish to be compared. Because that's the measuring stick required to serve Toronto's needs.

So let's get down to detail.

When it comes to transit, we've got to have more than catchy slogans. We've got to have a plan. A practical program that delivers.

Drawing upon my own experience and with a team of transit and planning experts, I've put such a plan together.

Quite deliberately, it doesn't have a catchy name like Transit City. Instead it has a theme. And that theme is delivering results. Transit Delivered – that's my commitment. And unlike others, I'm not going to pretend that we can have it all. We have to make hard choices.

To be sure, my plan is ambitious. But it is also affordable and achievable. It has a decade long horizon, beginning the day after the election and lasting roughly ten years.

It is, above all else, an integrated vision – with a coordinated view on how we link all corners of the city and how we serve everyone: transit riders, drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. When it comes to transportation, we are all in it together and so the days of playing one group off another must end.

My plan is divided into two distinct phases - each approximately five years in length.

The first phase is focussed on the projects which we can deliver – in time for the 2015 Pan Am Games.

As Mayor, these are the transit priorities I will deliver.

- Expedite the Spadina Subway extension to York University so it will be functioning to service Pan Am venues at York.

- Complete the Sheppard LRT East and extend it south to where the new Pan Am Aquatic Centre will stand and then beyond to the University of Toronto Scarborough campus and Centennial College.

- Complete the Queen's Quay LRT eastbound from Union Station to the Portlands, through the fast emerging neighbourhoods and waterfront playground in the East Bayfront, and the nearby Pan Am Athletes villages in the west Donlands.

- Champion the actual build of the rail link from Union Station to Pearson Airport and insist that this line be prioritized for electrification.

- And finally, we will see the Eglinton LRT underway and we will ensure that this tunnel is extended further west to Weston Road where it can integrate with the new AirRail link station, and lead to the revitalization of Mt. Dennis.

That captures our transit ambitions until 2015, and as you can see, provides a great deal of progress in time for the Pan Am Games. But to gain the full picture of what we intend, let me also outline what we'll do 5 years after.

This later phase will complete the effort of truly integrating our city's transit system. In particular we will eliminate the isolation of our city's NorthWest and make it far more possible to get across town.

Specific elements of the second phase of my transit plan will include:

- Building out the Finch West LRT to Highway 27, taking in Humber College and the Etobicoke General Hospital before linking up with the Woodbine Centre and the proposed development at Woodbine Racetrack.

- Next, we'll transform Sheppard from a 'stubway' into a full-fledged subway by extending the Sheppard line west from Yonge to Downsview Station on the Yonge-University-Spadina Line.

- We will finally give Scarborough citizens the first class transit treatment they deserve by replacing the Scarborough RT with a subway.

- And finally, in order to spur investment, create jobs and reach toward the borders of Mississauga we will extend the Bloor-Danforth line west all the way to Sherway Gardens and the nearby Queensway Hospital

This decade of Transit Delivered plan will give us a vastly improved transit network that better connects all parts of our city and serves our citizens, all the while reaching the hand of transportation integration to our GTA neighbours.

But recall that I said I want 'measurable results'? Well I meant it. Because if you can't measure it, you can't fix it.

As Minister of Health and Long Term Care, I committed to take targeted action to reduce wait times for patients. That approach worked. It focused the system, rallied change and generated a clear response. Ontario's wait times fell to be the lowest in Canada. And patients – hundreds of thousands of patients - have benefitted.

I want to do the same for Toronto. Recent reports say that we spend an average of 82 minutes per day commuting. The typical commuter coming from Scarborough to Union Station must string together a series of stops and switches from bus to RT to subway that adds up to a typical ride of approximately 60 minutes one way. From Jane and Finch to Union Station, a commuter must spend approximately 50 minutes.

Here's my pledge: My transit plan, when implemented will carve those commuting times. Several minutes a day in each direction adds up to hours a week and over a year, more than a weeks worth of work hours are restored to home and personal lives.

I will implement a measurement system that tracks and transparently reports commuting times, and "days of disruption" lost to road construction because accountability is essential to deliver tangible results.

Now, let me turn immediately to the question of finances. Obviously, we're talking about a significant capital expenditure. And I want to talk about money. Because let's not fool ourselves: Transportation infrastructure costs real money. What we're going to pay for and how we're going to pay for it are questions that some of my opponents like to blow off with a flash of rhetoric.

Let me take a moment and walk you through the arithmetic.

The estimated cost of these proposals is $17.4 billion.

Current resources committed by the province equal about $9 billion and the federal government has confirmed it will contribute about $1 billion, and the City is committed to provide $514 million towards the Spadina Line extension to York University.

So, in total, the incremental amount that we need to come up with is an estimated $7B.

Here's how we tackle that difference and get this job done. My Transit Delivered Plan does not depend on road tolls or congestion charges of any form.

I propose we contract with the private sector to give us the resources required to construct this additional transit capacity – this is the model we would call 'Design, Build and Finance' – the name tells you graphically, the role we would seek from them.

Under the strict terms of this arrangement, the TTC – and by extension the people of Toronto – would be the customer. In this model, the public always owns the lines and pays for them over time. This model is most similar to a mortgage model used by many of us to achieve the joys of home ownership before we have all of the money to pay the full purchase price.

Once the lines are completed, the City will have an annual financial obligation that will be met through the establishment of a Transit Trust.

The Transit Trust would be a segregated account that will grow through the dedication of the following city revenues:

- provincial share of gas tax
- federal share of gas tax
- dividends from Toronto Hydro and Toronto Parking Authority
- and fees generated through transit-enabled development.

It adds up. And more importantly, it sets up the boldest expansion of transit we've seen since the 1950s. It sets up a decade of Transit Delivered.

Now, I realize that some will oppose the proposals I make that include room for private sector involvement. That's to be expected. No realistic plan will win applause from everyone.

But I will say this.

First, we will not permit any surrender of ownership. These are public assets. Strategic assets. And they will remain wholly controlled and owned by the people of Toronto.

Second, we will not permit any surrender of operations.

And third, these arrangements work. I know they work because I have seen them work and so can you. Visit Toronto Hospitals like CAMH, Bridgepoint, Sunnybrook or Toronto Rehav to name only some. When wisely negotiated, these arrangements truly deliver a win-win.

Most importantly, I would remind you all: It beats the alternative – stuck in traffic and stuck in the mud. Wallowing away the time while political paralysis encourages economic stagnation.

Well, I won't do that. As Mayor of Toronto, I will not stick my head in the sand, just to avoid the sharp critics.

New subways and improved LRTs are at the core of my transit plan. But they do not constitute my entire plan to get our City moving again.

As an advocate of an integrated transportation approach, I believe we must also introduce a coordinated roads policy – including a balanced cycling policy.

What greater indication can there be of City Hall's leadership failures than to realize that Toronto can be distracted so deeply by a debate about where to put bike lanes? It drives me up the wall.

So here's what I will do. If I am elected Mayor, there will be an immediate adjustment in our cycling priorities. We will take a time out on new bike lanes but we will move swiftly to ensure that current cycling routes are made safer and are better maintained.

Moving forward, we will focus on curbing bike lanes to create physical separation of cycling areas from drivers. We will expedite the expansion of dedicated bike paths with an emphasis on so-called 'expressways' through parks, ravines and hydro-corridors. We will urge strict enforcement of traffic laws. And we will improve opportunities for our kids to learn bicycle safety and the rules of the road.

In addition, as I've said before, we will reduce the vehicle registration tax to make it less onerous for Torontonians who must drive.

The cost of gridlock has been pegged at billions a year. But where is the sense of urgency on a major artery when work is taking place for around a third of the day and not on weekends?

On my watch, days of disruption will be tracked and reported and contracts that place a premium on speedy completion will be executed.

Finally, I want to conclude with a measure that is intended to show respect for those who have paid too much for too long. After years of being chiselled for every possible penny, I think its time to give back a little bit to those who deserve it most.

If I am elected Mayor, seniors will ride the TTC for free on weekdays between 10:00am and 2:00pm.

Because An active senior is a healthy senior. This measure will encourage activity when the system operates with excess capacity.

Taken together, these plans for Transit Delivered, reduced Days of Disruption and separated cycling lanes will mean real changes that make a real difference in the lives of real people. It is a critical component to my plan to help Get Toronto Working again – working together and working better.

It is an integrated approach. An affordable approach. And it is an approach that responds to the practical needs of people today. Most important – it will help us all get home a little quicker.

Before closing, allow me to say again how passionately and personally I feel about this city and the opportunity to lead it from the Mayor's office.

I grew up in Etobicoke. The son of a truck driver who spent a lot of time making his way into the city from its outskirts.

I learned early in life the importance of public transit. And I know what it's like to travel this city from one edge to the other. That experience has shaped my thinking and these policies I propose.

The plans I have for transportation are plans that I believe in personally. To which I will commit myself personally. And for which I will fight for personally.

As I said at the outset, I'm running for a reason. I want to help make this great city, greater still. I want to bring an end to the kind of local leadership that has left people wondering why we're missing opportunities. Why we're falling a bit behind of where we could be. Where we should be.

It's time for leadership that's unafraid to lead. That sets goals and surpasses goals. That makes the case for change. And then puts that change into effect.

We've not had that for some time. And that's why we don't have the Spadina Subway extension to York underway. That's why we don't have electronic farecards. And that's why we don't have clean subway stations and roads in good condition.
I want to restore people's confidence in their local political leadership. By showing we can achieve important objectives. By demonstrating that we can gather together politicians, business, labour, citizens and local NGOs in common cause. And that when we do, Toronto cannot be stopped.

I know we can get Toronto moving again. And I am certain we can get Toronto Working again.

That is my purpose. That is my plan. And that is my priority.

I'm looking forward to this campaign. To discussing ideas and debating choices. It's a competition I relish. Because nothing could matter more to me than this city. It's the place where I grew up. And now it's the place where my son will grow up. Helping to lead that effort would be the greatest privilege I could imagine. It is one I eagerly look forward to seizing.

They call me Furious George. Fair enough. As long as they know, I'm furiously committed to an even better Toronto!

Thank you.

28 May 2010

For Immediate Release

George Smitherman Releases Plan To Get Toronto Moving
Integrated Transportation Plan Includes $7B In New Transit Investment – With Subways, Without Tolls

(Toronto) – George Smitherman today launched his Integrated Transportation Plan to get the city moving again.
"People are sick of being nickled and dimed at every turn and not being able to get around their city," Smitherman told a packed luncheon audience at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. "My integrated transportation plan is ambitious. But it is also affordable and achievable. It has a decade-long horizon, beginning the day after the election."

Smitherman added that his Integrated Transportation Plan will focus on service, treating Toronto transit riders, motorists, cyclists and pedestrians alike as customers who expect and deserve courtesy, efficiency and cleanliness on their subways, streetcars, buses, roads and sidewalks.

Highlights of George Smitherman's Integrated Transportation Plan include:

• Transit – $7B in new transit infrastructure including completion of the subway to York University by 2015, a two-phase program of subway, light rail transit (LRT) and route expansion, smart fare cards by 2014 and free TTC for seniors on weekdays between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.;
• Motorists—no road tolls necessary, reduction of the City's $60 Vehicle Registration Tax, incentives and clear expectations to minimize days of disruption caused by road work, a "disruption index" to report in real-time on construction, enforcement of the rules of the road;
• Cyclists—safer routes on less busy main roads, curb-separated routes in high traffic areas, building of cross-town, dedicated bike "expressways" through hydro corridors, ravines and other non-roadways; and
• Pedestrians—respect for pedestrians, benchmarks and metrics to ensure timely repair of sidewalks.

George Smitherman's Integrated Transportation Plan will be funded in part by creation of a Toronto Transit Trust—a fund from special levies such as City Parking fees and transit-enabled development charges. The fund will help Toronto contribute its estimated $7 billion share in transportation infrastructure between now and 2020, with the federal and provincial governments contributing comparable amounts.

Creating a Toronto Transit Trust will also provide City Hall with greater leverage in negotiating with private sector partners to expand and enhance Toronto's transportation infrastructure. Smitherman emphasized that Toronto will always retain ownership of its transit system, even while partnering with private companies.

14 May 2010

Urges council to listen to design experts and not jeopardize the future of the waterfront

(Commissioners Street, Toronto) – Insisting on the need for new recreation space in Toronto, mayoral candidate George Smitherman today called on Toronto City Council to accept the advice of the blue-ribbon design team guiding Waterfront Toronto's redevelopment and reject the proposed Don Lands hockey arena in its current form.

"You won't find a stronger supporter for badly-needed recreational space in Toronto than me, but the city has mismanaged their plans to put a sprawling ice complex on lands suitable for so much more," said George Smitherman. "For the sake of expediency, Council should not ignore its experts and build an arena that is a sprawling big-box at the water's edge."

Toronto's waterfront redevelopment plans are being guided by a blue-ribbon advisory panel made up of design experts and engineers. Earlier this week, the panel took the extraordinary step of unanimously threatening to resign if the current plans for the proposed arena proceed. Mayor David Miller is championing the proposal, over the objections of Waterfront Toronto – the agency created by all three levels of government to guide waterfront revitalization – and its design panel. Mayor Miller is an active member of the Waterfront Toronto Board.

Aside from 'tinkering' with the current plans as the Mayor indicated yesterday, Smitherman outlined the two potential options for the Mayor and Council to consider:

1. Stack the rinks to minimize the sprawl, maximize the value of the land on which the proposed arena is slated to sit, and fit with the overall master plan for the community.

2. Move the arena to another location.

"We have a master plan emerging for the Don Lands that has at its heart an incredible opportunity for renewal on lands that desperately need it. The big-box style of the proposed arena voids that plan. We need to look towards design excellence to create a new waterfront community that will make us proud," Smitherman added.

-30-

06 May 2010

At 9:57 a.m. this morning, the Rob Ford Team twitter account (@RobFordTeam) posted the following: "RT @radiofreecanada: Smitherman should spend less time attacking Ford for telling truth about AIDS, more time coming up with actual policies. #voteto" (Our emphasis added.) Ford has refused repeated opportunities to back down from comments he made on the floor of Council on June 29, 2006, where he stated: "If you are not doing needles and you are not gay, you wouldn't get AIDS probably, that's bottom line. These are the facts."

At the time Ford went on to dismiss concerns over women contracting the disease saying - ignorantly - that would not happen if they didn't sleep with bisexual men.

"Yesterday Rob Ford refused to tell Torontonians if he still believed that communities at risk of HIV were unworthy of protection or help from their city. Today his campaign team confirmed that Rob Ford's views had not changed. I said yesterday that Rob Ford's views about people living with AIDS were disgusting. I believe they make him unfit to lead our great city, which is defined by the diversity that is our strength. Today, not only did he not back down from his comments, but his campaign actually re-affirmed his belief in those views."

05 May 2010

Earlier this afternoon, George Smitherman discussed a secret report being considered by TTC commissioners in a secret meeting taking place tomorrow. The report apparently recommends a shiny new corporate headquarters for the TTC, at a time when subway stations are dirty, stations aren't all accessible and trains and buses don't run on time. George questioned the priorities of the city councillors - led by TTC Chair Adam Giambrone - who sit on the TTC board and have asked them to release the secret report and vote a resounding 'No' to new headquarters. The letter he sent earlier today is below:

ATTN:

Adam Giambrone, Ward 18, TTC Chair, councillor_giambrone@toronto.ca Suzan Hall, Ward 1, councillor_hall@toronto.ca Peter Milczyn, Ward 5, councillor_milczyn@toronto.ca Anthony Perruzza, Ward 8, councillor_perruzza@toronto.ca Maria Augimeri, Ward 9, councillor_augimeri@toronto.ca Bill Saundercook, Ward 13, councillor_saundercook@toronto.ca Joe Mihevc, Ward 21, TTC Vice-Chair, councillor_mihevc@toronto.ca Sandra Bussin, Ward 32, councillor_bussin@toronto.ca Ron Moeser, Ward 44, councillor_moeser@toronto.ca

SUBJECT: Proposed New Toronto Transit Commission ("TTC") Headquarters

Dear Councillors:

I am writing to you today to urge you to say "NO" to the construction of a new headquarters for the TTC.

I understand that tomorrow, Transit Commissioners will be considering a confidential report to build a new 400,000 sq. ft. headquarters to accommodate TTC staff. Given all of the problems facing the TTC, I find it impossible to believe that the construction of a shiny new corporate headquarters should be a priority. The fact that this proposal has gotten this far shocks me, as does the secrecy.

I haven't any doubt that smart people can always find a way to justify a new headquarters. I urge you to reflect carefully on whether this is the right for the times. That is a leadership call. I encourage you to do the right thing.

Finally, let me say that the entire discussion of whether or not the TTC should have a new office is a matter for public debate. It is inconceivable to me that such an important matter would be decided in private by a handful of TTC commissioners. I insist that you make all reports on this matter public immediately.

 

Sincerely,

George Smitherman

Candidate for Mayor of the City of Toronto

Cc: Gary Webster, TTC Chief General Manager, via assistant: mary.zigomanis@ttc.ca

04 May 2010

Rocco Rossi kills expanded public transit on Eglinton
Multi-billion dollar hole in mistake-ridden "plan"

Toronto, ON – Mayoral candidate George Smitherman reacted to Rocco Rossi's transit announcement by saying that Torontonians now have the right to question Mr. Rossi's competence to be mayor following the release of a plan that will provide Torontonians with fewer public transit options and is notable for its multi-billion dollar hole and basic errors.

"It wasn't long ago Mr. Rossi openly opposed transit expansion saying there were no operating dollars to fund it – today he not only flip-flopped on those words, he actually delivered a plan that makes matters even worse," Smitherman said.

Here are the problems with Mr. Rossi's announcement:

1. It kills all transit expansion on Eglinton Avenue – no LRTs – no subways (and if Mr. Rossi claims they are – nowhere are they included in his costing).
2. The sale of Toronto Hydro won't get anywhere near the $3 billion Mr. Rossi is counting on. Some estimates put the cost closer to $1 billion leaving Mr. Rossi with a $2 billion hole he refuses to explain.
3. Mr. Rossi forgot to include the province's 33% transfer tax on the sale of utilities in his calculations.
4. Nowhere does Mr. Rossi account for the lost revenue from Toronto Hydro which has provided the city with over $350 million since 2003. In addition to not setting aside any money for operating his phantom subways – how would he replace the expected half-billion dollars in Toronto Hydro profits that would otherwise be earned during the 10 years of Mr. Rossi's plan, not to mention the billions in lost economic development potential over the long-term as the world moves towards a greener economy.
5. Mr. Rossi says he will sell off assets other than Toronto Hydro but identifies none.

"This guy is the self-proclaimed numbers guy but his numbers don't come close to adding up," said Smitherman. "By relying on a right-wing, 407-style fire sale of Toronto Hydro and unknown city assets, the only thing city residents can count on is being nickeled and dimed even more as their service levels continue to fall."

Visiting Weston road and Eglinton Avenue West today, Smitherman added: "Mr. Rossi has already stated he's against the LRT on Eglinton Avenue and now he has said that he only intends to build 20 kilometres of subway over the next decade. Given the Eglinton line alone is 33 kilometres long, it's clear Mr. Rossi's plan will leave Eglinton derailed and Torontonians stuck in traffic for generations to come."

Smitherman has stated that he will use every means of influence to push the province to fulfil its commitment to transit expansion in Toronto – having fought hard for transit funding at the cabinet table – and will release a detailed transit plan shortly that will get Toronto moving again.

23 April 2010

Toronto mayoral candidate George Smitherman today announced his plan to make the establishment of a National Park at the Rouge a top intergovernmental priority.

"If I am elected Mayor, I will make the creation of a National Park at the Rouge one of my top priorities for federal / provincial and municipal collaboration and cooperation," Smitherman said.

Calling the Rouge Park both "Toronto's greatest natural treasure" and "an underutilized gem," Smitherman noted there are only a limited number of trails in the park and they are not easy to find or access.

"As great as the Rouge Park is – too few Torontonians know where it is and what it has to offer even though it is just a TTC ride away," Smitherman said. "Anyone who has been fortunate enough to spend time in this park will know of the beauty of which I speak. The mouth of the Rouge River at Lake Ontario is nothing short of awesome. It is one of my favourite spots in Toronto."

The Rouge Park is 25 times larger than High Park and includes almost one quarter of all of Toronto's green space.

George Smitherman is the only candidate talking about improving Toronto's parks in this election. Smitherman's declaration of support of a national park at the Rouge as a priority issue builds on his already announced plans to:

• Designate 15 "Signature Parks" for enhancement;
• Give residents a greater say in the running of their parks through the creation of Citizen Advisory Councils; and
• Welcome the help of our business and service clubs with the promotion of a City-Wide "Adopt-a-Park" program.

"These programs will be at the heart of the Recreational Renaissance I will lead as Toronto's Mayor, just in time for Toronto to host the 2015 Pan Am games," Smitherman added.

22 April 2010

407-style sell-off would threaten green power and conservation initiatives

Highlighting the vital role Toronto Hydro can play in facilitating Toronto's future green energy needs, mayoral candidate George Smitherman today pledged to keep this core city asset in public hands.

"The privatization of Toronto Hydro would be as short-sighted as it is wrong," Smitherman said. "It's the public ownership of Toronto Hydro that empowers us to improve the air we breathe, reduce our carbon footprint and implement meaningful conservation programs. It also makes us money. As Mayor, there is no way I would allow the 407-style giveaway of such an important strategic asset."

"As a public agency operating in the public interest, Toronto Hydro is essential to Toronto's rapid and successful transition to a solar city in which homeowners and businesses, schools, public housing and government, big businesses and small stores, can all participate and benefit from rooftop solar and wind power right here in our city," Smitherman said.

"Toronto Hydro is devising a plan to install 500 megawatts of renewable energy and 500 megawatts of electricity conservation ('negawatts') by 2020. Selling off Toronto Hydro would put that program at risk and destroy the very foundation on which we can build our prosperous, clean, green energy future," Smitherman added.

"This is about more than the environment, it's also about future economic growth. Toronto can lead and in the process create tens of thousands of green jobs for our residents."

As Ontario's Minister of Energy, George Smitherman championed the passage of the Green Energy and Economy Act, was awarded the World Wind Energy Award and negotiated an economic development deal with Samsung which will bring 16,000 new jobs and 2,500 megawatts of green energy to Ontario.

Both Rocco Rossi and Sarah Thomson have expressed a desire to privatize Toronto Hydro.

28 March 2010

Newly Designated " Signature Parks ", Citizen Advisory Councils and a City-Wide "Adopt-a-Park" Program at the Heart of Smitherman's Recreational Renaissance

In an effort to ensure the beautification of some of Toronto 's key public spaces,Toronto Mayoral candidate George Smitherman today announced plans to directly involve Torontonians in the ongoing management of their parks through the creation of Advisory Councils at 15 Signature Parks and the aggressive championing of a city-wide Adopt-a-Park program.

"Torontonians are fortunate that our forefathers saw fit to build and protect green space and parkland throughout our city. I want to take the next step and give Torontonians a real say in the preservation and enhancement of those parks," Smitherman said.

Modelled on the successful High Park Community Advisory Council, these new Councils would be established at 15 Signature Parks designated by City Council. The Councils would include local ratepayer/residents associations,recreational stakeholders and a number of members-at-large from the community. Local City councillors and City staff representing park operations and programs would sit as non-voting members of the Councils.

Smitherman noted that while public participation in parks management would seem like common sense to most people, bureaucratic resistance and union politics at City Hall have all but killed previous attempts to promote similar programs.

Despite the fact City Council has twice passed motions this decade authorizing the city-wide expansion of the old City of Scarborough's Adopt-a-Park program, there still remains no attempt to promote the program on the City website.

"I have seen first-hand how the generosity of individuals, families and corporations have helped build world-class hospital and university buildings across our city. I can think of no better opportunity for those with an ability to do so to give back to their community than through the donation of a swing set, basketball court or walking path in parks throughout Toronto ," Smitherman said.

A recent report by the City Auditor found that the parks department faced a $233 million backlog in maintenance and repairs and estimated that amount to grow to $600 million by 2018.

As is currently the case, individuals and corporations making donations would receive a charitable tax-receipt and a discrete plaque would be placed on site to recognize their civic contribution.

The creation of Signature Parks and the championing of an Adopt-a-Park program will form part of a comprehensive program George Smitherman will outline during this campaign to fulfill his vision of creating are creational Renaissance in Toronto.

03 March 2010

We will accept our responsibilities – you must accept yours.

On the day of the federal budget, Toronto Mayoral Candidate George Smitherman today signaled his intention to change the way the City of Toronto deals with other levels of government.

"The City of Toronto has to quit pretending that begging other levels of governments is an acceptable budgetary strategy. As mayor, my focus will be on getting Toronto's financial house in order instead of continually looking to Ottawa and Queen's Park to offer band aid solutions and short term hand outs to rescue Council from its own failure to manage our municipal budget," Smitherman said.

Smitherman said it's time for a mayor who will make tough choices at budget time and fight for fair treatment from federal and provincial governments showing leadership locally. He argued that a responsible plan at the local level will give new credibility to Toronto's legitimate insistence that the federal and provincial governments meet their responsibilities in the areas of housing, transportation and social services.

"A stronger mayor will be able to make a stronger case that federal and provincial governments must meet their obligations to the people of Toronto," Smitherman said. "Its long past time that Toronto City Hall take control of its own destiny."

Smitherman was quick to single out TTC capital funding as one area of joint responsibility where the federal government has largely failed to meet its partnership obligations.

"A transit system that actually works costs money - lots of it - far more than municipal rate payers should be expected to pay on their own," Smitherman added."I was proud as the minister responsible for infrastructure to secure $8.1 billion in sustainable capital from the provincial government for transit in Toronto. The federal government has not yet come to the table with the resources necessary to build a truly great transit system. I will be looking for specific improvement on this score in the budget."

02 March 2010

Toronto mayoral candidate George Smitherman released the following statement today:

"The TTC has become an important symbol of a much larger problem. Put simply, Toronto 's City Hall is not working. Services that were once considered among the best in class have been allowed to deteriorate. To add insult to injury, year-in and year-out City Hall asks taxpayers to pay more and accept less. It's no wonder they are so tired of being nickeled and dimed.

The current administration's failure to even consider the outsourcing of services to the private sector has contributed to the problem. As a direct result, both management and the union leadership at City Hall have fallen victim to complacency and lost sight of the need to provide quality services and achieve value for money. The status quo is unacceptable.

As Mayor, I will explore any and all options that provide the people of Toronto with better service without digging deeper into their pockets.

There are many different models for improving services that have proven to work around the world. Some involve bringing in the private sector - many do not. I believe City Hall has an obligation to consider all of them. I will not repeat the mistakes of the past by ruling any option in or out based strictly on an ideological basis.

There will be some who care only about price – they risk making things worse, not better. I will not simply auction our services to the lowest bidder. If the private sector wants in they will have to demonstrate first and foremost that that the quality of the services they wish to provide will be protected or improved. The ability to protect and improve services, not who provides those services, will be my litmus test when deciding how to move forward on a case by case basis.

This Service First Approach will be my guiding principle in dealing with the TTC, garbage collection and every other service Torontonians continue to rely upon."