In our coverage
amendedTTC must reinstate eight workers and revise drug-testing policy after arbitrator rules random testing unlawfulAn arbitrator has ordered the TTC to reinstate eight employees and struck down the transit agency's random drug and alcohol testing policy as implemented. The board voted 5-3 to accept this decision, which removes a safety tool the TTC had relied on and requires the agency to negotiate a compliant testing regime with the union.City directed to explore bans on surveillance pricing in retailDeputy Mayor Malik moved a motion directing city staff to identify legal mechanisms to ban or restrict surveillance pricing, the practice of charging different customers different prices based on personal data and shopping habits. The motion passed with support from multiple councillors who cited the real harm to residents, particularly low-income shoppers and families buying essentials like baby formula and milk.City Council approves five urgent motions on live music venues, section 37 agreements, plaza waste receptacles, loading zones, and public artCity Council passed five motions introduced as urgent business without advance notice. The motions covered protecting live music venues, advancing a section 37 agreement contribution at Blue Endufferment, requesting the city solicitor attend T Lab, requiring waste receptacles at quick-service restaurant plazas, establishing a commercial loading zone on the Danforth, and commissioning a mural on the New Ontario Line Bridge on Queen East. All five carried without recorded dissent.Introduction of urgent motions on Saint Baptist Marcus Square and Kingston Road monitoring and public artCity Council introduced three urgent motions during the floor business portion of the meeting. One motion concerns a real estate strategy underway at the Grange Precinct near Saint Baptist Marcus Square; two others address monitoring of development and infrastructure along Kingston Road in Cliffside and the use of section 45 public art funds for a mural in the same area. All three motions carried without debate.Deputy Mayor Malik announces United Way employee campaign kickoffDeputy Mayor Malik announced the 2026 United Way of Greater Toronto employee campaign, highlighting upcoming events including the 16th annual Civic Run, the CN Tower climb, and a December gala. The announcement recognized city staff, union leadership, and volunteers involved in the annual fundraising campaign.City Council order paper review and urgent motions processingToronto City Council conducted routine procedural business at the start of its July 30, 2026 session, approving the day's order paper with 150 items, releasing holds on various development and policy items, and processing 18 urgent motions without notice. The session included quick releases on zoning amendments, TTC ticket refunds, and community facility matters, with most items moving to substantive debate or decision later in the meeting.Council introduces motions on Saint Baptist Marcus Square, Kingston Road monitoring, and public art fundingCouncil introduced three motions during the meeting: one marking the urgency of the Grange Precinct real estate strategy and Saint Baptist Marcus Square, one to monitor development and infrastructure on Kingston Road, and one to allocate Section 45 public art funds for a mural in the Cliffside neighbourhood. All three passed without opposition. Council also announced a midday recognition of Emancipation Day at the podium.FIFA World Cup 2026 Toronto: council received a report and advanced audits of spending and intimate partner violence dataCity Council adopted measures on July 29 and 30, 2026, to make permanent several traffic and transit improvements that were implemented during the FIFA World Cup 2026, including maintaining new traffic cameras, expanding transit signal priority, and continuing parking restrictions that benefited congestion management. The council directed city staff to review mobility results and identify operational learnings from the tournament that can improve ongoing services and efficiencies. The council also directed staff to include in the final post-tournament report an analysis of whether incidents of intimate partner violence and gender-based violence changed during the tournament period compared to the same period in 2025, with findings to be reported in the first quarter of 2027. Additionally, the council requested the Auditor General to conduct a value for money audit of Toronto's hosting of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.Council approves releasing section 37 funds for Richmond Street East streetscape and cycle improvementsThe item sought authorization to release Section 37 funds for Richmond Street East streetscape improvements, as proposed by Councillor Chris Moise and seconded by Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik. On July 29, 2026, Toronto City Council adopted the item.Council approves additional funding for Liberty Village park beautification projectThe item asks for the re-opening of a previous matter concerning the authorization to release Section 45 funds and an agreement with STEPS Public Art for utility box and picnic bench beautification in Liberty Village. Toronto City Council adopted the item on July 29, 2026.Council approves changes to 200 Queens Quay West affordable housing requirementsThis proposal amends a previous zoning bylaw decision for 200 Queens Quay West. Toronto City Council adopted the amendment on July 29, 2026.City Council exempts 59 and 60 Annie Craig Drive from paver maintenance feeThe council sought exemption from paver fees for properties at 59 and 60 Annie Craig Drive. On July 29, 2026, Toronto City Council adopted the exemption.Revitalizing St. Patrick's Market Square parkette through phased improvementsDeputy Mayor Malik moved an urgent motion directing staff to explore near-term improvements to St. Patrick's Market Square parkette in downtown Toronto, including outdoor fitness equipment and other recreational amenities, while the broader Grange Precinct Real Estate Strategy continues. The motion aims to deliver community-identified enhancements early alongside longer-term precinct planning.Protecting Toronto's live music venues; staff directed to report backDeputy Mayor Malik moved that city staff continue work to support live music venues threatened by rising rents, insurance costs, and development pressure. The motion passed unanimously and directs staff to report back as part of the Culture Connects plan. The mover flagged it as urgent to meet reporting timelines.Deputy Mayor Malik urges free ferry rides for kids and seniors in August to celebrate airport decisionDeputy Mayor Malik moved to make child, youth, and older adult ferry tickets to the Toronto Islands free for August in recognition of community opposition to the Island airport expansion. The motion, seconded by Mayor Chow, frames the offer as a way to highlight the Islands' value and requires council approval before the month begins. No transcript records whether council voted on it.Council approves delay on Perth Avenue parkland conveyance, pushing delivery from permit issuance to 30 months afterCity Council authorized the developer of 72 Perth Avenue to postpone transferring 131 square metres of on-site parkland to the city. Under the 2025 zoning approval, the land was required to be conveyed before the first above-grade building permit; this decision extends the deadline to 30 months after that permit issues. The delay accommodates the developer's construction schedule.Council releases $5.2 million in Section 37 funds for Gardiner underpass improvements at four downtown intersectionsCity Council approved the release of development-charge funds to improve pedestrian conditions in the underpasses beneath the Gardiner Expressway and the Union Station rail corridor. The project, part of a multi-year partnership with The Bentway, includes enhanced lighting, wayfinding, and placemaking at Lower Jarvis, Lower Sherbourne, Lower Parliament, and Cherry streets.City Council backs a 25-year operating deal for the Toronto Harbour Nautical Centre to unlock $450,000 in improvementsHarbourfront Centre is seeking a longer-term operating agreement with the current operator, York Bay Marine Services Inc., to secure financing for fleet and facility upgrades that a five-year lease cannot support. Council moved to support the continued investment, subject to referral to the North York Committee.City Council receives Ombudsman report on TTC's lack of records for $24 million refund decisionThe Ombudsman's investigation found the TTC lacked transparency, accountability, and documentation when deciding not to refund or exchange tokens and tickets discontinued in 2024. The decision affected millions in fares but nobody could document who made it or when. City Council received the report for information.City Council approves $95,000 for laneway improvements and community art near Ryerson AvenueDeputy Mayor Malik moved to release Section 37 developer funds to support the Friends of Alexandra Park's Laneway Project, adding streetscape work, lighting, planting, and murals to a downtown laneway near Ryerson Avenue. The project aims to reduce dumping and graffiti while serving residents and vulnerable populations in the area. City Council approved the motion.City Council backs new parkland for Liberty Village with creative solutionsDeputy Mayor Malik moved to expand parkland in Liberty Village, a downtown neighbourhood between King Street and the rail corridor where city planning has identified a deficit. The motion asks staff to pursue new partnerships and creative approaches to acquire land, working within existing Official Plan goals. Council voted to support the motion.City directed to expand parks in severely under-served King-Spadina and Wellington Place neighbourhoodsKing-Spadina has among the lowest parkland ratios in Toronto (0.9-3.9 square metres per capita versus a citywide 28), driven by intense residential development. Council voted to direct staff to pursue new parkland and expand existing parks through creative solutions and partnerships. This is a rare directional mandate for a neighbourhood facing a documented public space crisis.City Council authorizes release of section 37 community benefits funds to Toronto Metropolitan University for campus public realm improvementsCity Council approved the release of community benefits funds collected from a downtown development to Toronto Metropolitan University, earmarked for streetscape and public realm improvements around the university's campus in the core. The funds come from a section 37 development agreement negotiated as part of the 363-391 Yonge Street project.City to contribute $9 million toward expanding Allan Gardens Conservatory; partnership with Friends of Allan Gardens approvedToronto City Council committed $9 million in public funds to support the Friends of Allan Gardens' Greenhouse Link Building, which would expand the conservatory from 16,000 to 32,000 square feet. The motion directs staff to collaborate with the Friends group and report back in 2027 on design, funding strategy, and operating model. The project has over 7,000 petition signatures and private philanthropic commitments contingent on public funding.Church Street reconstruction gets green light with Section 37 funds as YongeTOmorrow delay frees up timingCity Council authorized the release of Section 37 development charge funds to pay for a phased reconstruction of Church Street, including water main replacement overdue since 2021 and streetscape improvements. The project advances because the larger YongeTOmorrow initiative is now deferred until at least 2030-2040 due to the Ontario Line timeline, unblocking a neighbourhood priority that has waited years.Council amends Church-Richmond development agreement to use easement instead of land transfer for corner roundingThe city is changing a 2018 development deal to let a Church and Richmond Streets project satisfy its corner-rounding requirement through an easement rather than transferring land to the city. The developer had proposed this approach in site plan, and staff confirmed it meets the requirement. Council is deciding before year-end to avoid holding up a nearly-completed building.City demands province reverse land takeover and restore Toronto Islands controlMayor Chow moved an urgent motion demanding the province repeal Bill 110, return Little Norway Park and the Toronto Islands to the city, and restore Toronto's seat at a tripartite agreement governing Billy Bishop Airport. The motion responds to the federal government's announcement that it will not support the province's proposed expansion of the island airport, following months of public opposition and city staff analysis.City council receives audit reports from integrity and accountability officers for 2025City council received the annual audit reports from external auditors on the Integrity Commissioner, Lobbyist Registrar, and Ombudsman covering the year ended December 31, 2025. The reports are required by Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 3 and must be received before the end of the legislative session to meet statutory deadlines. Council took no action; the item was received for information only.receivedCity Council celebrates FIFA World Cup 2026 hosting with staff recognitionCity Council held a ceremonial meeting to recognize the approximately 20,000 staff members, agencies, and partners who delivered the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Toronto from June 10 to July 19, 2026. The mayor and city manager highlighted the event's success, including 250,000 fans attending six matches, 350,000 visitors at the fan festival, and Canada's historic run to the Round of 16, all delivered on a $380 million budget with no property tax dollars spent. The presentation included video highlights and remarks from councillors involved in overseeing the event.amendedCouncil approves 11-storey mixed-use building at 419-425 Woodbine Avenue with 123 unitsCity Council voted to approve zoning and Official Plan amendments allowing an 11-storey mixed-use development at four Woodbine Avenue addresses. The building will contain 123 residential units (including 11 replacement rental units), ground-floor retail, and two levels of underground parking. Staff found the proposal consistent with provincial policy and the Official Plan.Transit priority measures on Queen Street West during King construction; report back to community council in 2027City Council adopted temporary curbside restrictions and left-turn prohibitions on Queen Street West from November 2026 through April 2027 to maintain streetcar service on the 504 King route during construction diversion. The measures affect approximately 60,000 daily King riders and 30,000 daily Queen riders. Council added a sunset clause and directed staff to communicate construction phasing clearly to riders and businesses.adoptedToronto Tempo training facility at 701 Fleet Street; long-term lease and community access agreement approvedCity Council approved a long-term lease and community access agreement with the Toronto Tempo basketball team to build a $100 million training facility on city-owned land at 701 Fleet Street. The facility will include two basketball courts with 2,000+ hours of guaranteed public access annually, plus outdoor amenities and public space. The city receives no direct cash payment during the initial lease period but secures the facility is built, operated, and maintained at private expense while retaining control of the property.adopted14 Grange Avenue rezoning for 22 residential units approved with technical amendmentToronto and East York Community Council approved an Official Plan and Zoning By-law amendment for a mixed-height residential building at 14 Grange Avenue, permitting a five-storey front building and 4.5-storey rear building with 22 units and no parking. Deputy Mayor Malik moved a technical amendment before approval.adoptedTempo Basketball Club long-term lease and community access agreement for 701 Fleet Street performance centreThe city authorized a long-term lease and community access agreement with Tempo Basketball Club Inc. for a portion of the property at 701 Fleet Street. The Executive Committee amended and recommended the authorization on July 21, 2026, with nine directives including requirements to negotiate a lease and community access agreement, secure city programming access, establish a construction management agreement, and protect confidential negotiation details. Toronto City Council adopted the amended item on July 29, 2026.amendedNon-police crisis teams to expand across the entire TTC networkThe item asks for an expansion of the Toronto Community Crisis Service to respond to calls for service at all TTC subway stations. On July 21, 2026, the Executive Committee amended the item and requested the Executive Director, Social Development to report back by the first quarter of 2027 with an update on expanding the service area.City Council backs investigation into banning algorithmic price targeting at grocery storesCity Council asked city staff to identify ways Toronto can ban or regulate surveillance pricing that raises grocery prices, including online and delivered groceries. The Executive Committee recommended on July 21, 2026, that the City Manager consult with the City Solicitor and other officials to report back by the first quarter of 2027 with options, and that staff analyze existing regulatory authorities to develop measures ranging from requiring clear consumer disclosure to full prohibition of algorithmic pricing that raises prices for individuals. City Council adopted the recommendation on July 29, 2026, by a vote of 26-0, and also requested that the Province of Ontario ban surveillance pricing and strengthen consumer protection laws, and that city staff seek advice from federal agencies on current privacy and competition law and whether updates are needed.adoptedBilly Bishop Toronto City Airport expansion response; federal decision and provincial land claimsCity council received reports analyzing a provincial plan to expand Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport from 1.7 million to 10 million passengers annually, which would require expropriation of Toronto Island and Little Norway Park. The federal government announced it will not support the expansion, backing only safety runway work. The reports detail impacts on housing, transportation, waterfront revitalization, and infrastructure. Council debated the city's role in the tripartite agreement governing the airport and the province's Bill 110 expropriation framework, which is not yet in force.amendedBilly Bishop Airport Proposed Expansion: Response to Council Request for Information on Housing and Transportation ImpactsCity staff reported on environmental, transportation, housing, and corporate-ownership impacts of a proposed jet expansion at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport announced by the Toronto Port Authority and Ontario. The report found serious concerns about water quality, air pollution, housing constraints, and hidden corporate beneficiaries. The federal government announced on the day of this council meeting that it would not support the expansion, limiting it to necessary safety measures only.adoptedCity updates land-acceptance policy to comply with Ontario rules while keeping environmental standards tightCity Council adopted amendments to the policy governing how the city accepts potentially contaminated lands conveyed as a condition of development approval. The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommended the amended policy on July 15, 2026, with changes clarifying requirements for transit infrastructure conveyances, subsurface investigations near TTC facilities, municipal water and wastewater infrastructure, and risk assessments for future land use. City Council adopted the amended policy on July 29, 2026.Executive Committee backed improvements to Old City Hall as a filming location; sent to council for approvalThe item asks to improve the usability of Old City Hall as a filming location. The Economic and Community Development Committee forwarded it to City Council without recommendation on July 14, 2026. Toronto City Council amended the item on July 29, 2026.adoptedGas station and car wash approved at 3030 Markham Road after years of planningScarborough Community Council unanimously approved a zoning amendment to allow a gas station and car wash at 3030 Markham Road, ending a planning process that began in 2017-2018. The site sits in a commercial area and the decision is final at this level.
Every story we have published that names this member, whether they moved the item, amended it, pressed on it, dissented, or were quoted in the room. Stories exist for the meetings the pipeline has covered, so this list reflects our archive rather than the member’s full activity. Their whole voting record is on the vote log.
In the news
- The radical agenda of Progress Toronto, the group backing Mayor Chow
- Chow, Malik celebrating 'waterfront win' with free Toronto Island ferry rides for kids, seniors in August
- Chow asks for Toronto island land back after feds block Billy Bishop expansion
- Chow pens urgent motion to stop Ford's 'land grab'
Back to Councillor Ausma Malik · Every recorded vote · Lobbying contacts