When I was very little, my dad loaded my sister and I into the car and we drove over to Leslie and Sheppard to tour something entirely new called a ‘Con-Do-Mini-Um’. I had never heard that word before. It was a townhouse in the Shepways. Dad got transferred to Calgary before he could buy one but by the time he and Mom returned in 1976, he did buy a condo. This time it was on the thirteenth floor of a high rise on Bridletowne Circle in Scarborough.
Suburbs, and particularly North York, really led the way when condominium housing began. Today, from downtown towers to vibrant condo communities across Don Valley North, condo living is key to meeting the housing needs of our growing city. some of our best quality rental homes are in condominium buildings that have been well run for decades.
I hear from residents and condo board members all the time about the unique challenges of condo living—whether it’s dealing with unexpected maintenance issues or fee increases, navigating board governance, or addressing safety concerns in shared spaces. I’ve met families who love their condo community but struggle at times with who to call. Is this a Condo Act issue, or a Board issue or does the city have any role in the matter at hand? I’ve spoken to young professionals excited to own their first home but frustrated by unclear rules and fees. These challenges directly impact people’s quality of life.
That’s why I encourage condo residents to join us on March 23 from 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM at Parkway Forest Community Centre for our Toronto Condo Clinic- an informative and practical session designed to equip you with the tools and resources you need. Experts from Toronto Fire, Revenue Services, the Condominium Authority of Ontario, Toronto Police Service, and Toronto Building will be on hand to provide valuable insights on key issues such as property standards, waste management, and emergency preparedness.
This is your opportunity to get answers to your biggest condo-related questions and connect with professionals who can help you navigate the complexities of condo living. To make the most of the event, we encourage you to complete a short survey beforehand—your input will help shape discussions and ensure we focus on the topics that matter most to you.
Don’t miss this chance to gain expert advice and practical solutions to enhance condo living in Toronto. Register today and help us tailor the event to your needs!
Standing Up for Toronto’s Economy in the Face of U.S. Tariffs
This week, the Mayor’s Economic Action Team—composed of business and labor leaders that I co-chair—unveiled a bold new action plan to protect Toronto’s businesses, workers, and residents from the impact of rising U.S. tariffs. The action plan outlines both immediate and long-term measures to strengthen local supply chains, support affected industries, and ensure the resilience of our economy.
One key step: prioritizing Canadian suppliers in City procurement, as demonstrated by Toronto Fire Services' commitment to purchasing Canadian-made fire trucks and protective gear. Other actions include property tax deferrals for industrial businesses, a “Love Local” campaign to promote Canadian-made goods and expanded global market access for Toronto companies.
This plan made a stop at the Executive Committee on March 19, and we can only hope that Mr. Trump has no more surprises for us before City Council adopts the plan at the end of this month. With Toronto facilitating $123 billion in U.S. trade annually, standing up for our economy is more critical than ever. More details to come following Council’s debate—because protecting Toronto means standing up for Canada.