My first two years in office

A reflection and recommitment: let's fix and build

If you know me, then you know I’m driven to fix things. It’s what makes me effective — whether that’s driving changes at City Hall or striking deals with other levels of government. I don’t easily accept obstacles or delays. It takes determination and pragmatism to get things done.

I’m focussed on fixing what’s broken and building what matters.

That’s how I’ve reversed our financial mess, began a record number of affordable and rent-controlled housing starts, and got a new deal with the province to free up billions for better City services.

Two years is not long enough to fix everything, but we’ve already accomplished so much together. Here’s some of the things I’m most proud of:

• Building more housing: We have 25,000 rent-controlled, affordable and market homes either under construction or starting next year. We’ve also helped move over 3,800 people from shelters to permanent housing.

• Investing more in transit: We made a historic $500 million investment in fixing the TTC, and we secured billions to buy new subway trains for Line 2.

• Expanding free services: libraries are open for longer hours and Sunday; school food programs in over 600 schools; more free recreation programs.

• Building safer communities: We expanded Toronto Community Crisis Service so people can get the mental health help they need. We’re investing more in youth programs and hiring more first responders.

Of course, I’m proud of the little things too. Like filling a record number of potholes (over 284,000 so far this year!)

I’m dedicated to getting the basics right. And to the big picture vision of a more affordable and safer city, with great transit, where people can thrive.

And we have to do it by bringing people along, working together to find common ground with our neighbours. Because we live in a large, diverse and complex global city - and our challenges are large and complex too.

With a year and a half left in this term, I’m recommitting to listening and acting, to always finding a path forward. With hope and determination to improve our city, for everyone.

Join me at the table. I’ll be here.