by Markus O’Brien Fehr, Chief of Staff

Does COVID-19 have an impact on neighbourhood noise?  We were starting to wonder over the summer.  While there have always been issues with souped up cars racing on our major roads in the middle of the night, especially on Yonge Street, Doris Avenue or Beecroft Road, complaints we received went through the roof in 2020.  Was car racing seen as an appropriate socially distanced recreational activity?

The most obvious concern, driving at high rates of speed, is a major hazard …

If COVID-19 has had one benefit, it may be the largest drop-off in traffic volumes ever recorded in Toronto. But eventually, it would be wise to expect a return to the growth of traffic and congestion seen over many decades. The current drop in demand should only present an opportunity to be ready for the rebound.

This week, City Council unanimously approved an action plan, dubbed MoveTO, to manage congestion and create an improved transportation network. Though many of the components have been in the works for several …

COVID-19 has exposed many inequities in our city and put an enormous strain on municipal infrastructure. Transit has been impacted tremendously. For many thousands, including many workers on the front lines of the fight against the pandemic, public transit is the best and only affordable option to get around. More busses are needed to adequately meet this need while allowing riders to be safely distanced. On busy bus routes, including local bus lines on Steeles Avenue, Finch Avenue, and Sheppard Avenue, this remains a big …