In our coverage
Petitions received on Bathurst and Shepherd protests and data center applicationsCouncil received two petitions: one from 4,870 residents opposing data centre applications across the city with particular concern in Birchcliff, and one describing weekly pro-Palestinian protests near Bathurst and Shepherd in a Jewish neighbourhood as a public safety and police resource crisis. Neither petition resulted in a decision; both were formally received.Councillor Perks departing council; multiple member motions processedCouncillor Gord Perks is recognized and departing from Toronto City Council at the end of his term. Council processed a series of 17 members' motions (43.3–43.17), most waiving referral to committee and passing unanimously or by recorded vote. Motion 43.7 was held by Councillor Saxe; motion 43.16 failed to achieve the two-thirds threshold required to waive referral to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee.Three petitions presented to council: 978 Pharmacy Avenue development, McCowan Park dog park water fountain, and safety concerns at Bathurst and ShepherdThree separate petitions were presented to City Council by Councillors Thomson and Pasternak on behalf of residents. Thomson presented two petitions: one with 66 signatures opposing a proposed six-storey, 25-unit development at 978 Pharmacy Avenue citing parking, scale incompatibility, and privacy concerns; and a second with approximately 300 signatures requesting a water fountain for dogs at McCowan District Park. Pasternak presented a third petition with over 3,493 signatures expressing alarm about what residents characterize as a community safety crisis at Bathurst and Shepherd, citing weekly Sunday protests, alleged hate speech, violence, and strain on police resources.Council endorses Ontario policing inspector's findings on antisemitism and hate, directs city actionToronto City Council voted to recognize the Ontario Inspector General of Policing's report documenting rising antisemitism and hate-motivated incidents since 2020, particularly targeting Jewish communities. The motion directs the city to act on seven specific policing recommendations from the provincial accountability body. This is council's formal response to findings on public safety threats.City council asked to direct City Solicitor to withdraw appeal of 447 Horsham Avenue developmentCouncil will vote on a directive to the City Solicitor to withdraw an appeal filed against a Committee of Adjustment decision approving a residential development at 447 Horsham Avenue. The applicant had sought relief on parking and fence height after committing to privacy improvements. This reverses an earlier council authorization to pursue the appeal.Downsview transportation study sought before major street extensions builtCouncillor Pasternak is proposing a transportation planning study for the Downsview redevelopment area before the city builds major street extensions already in an environmental assessment. The motion aims to examine traffic solutions in a bounded area, responding to concerns from a business group representing over 4,000 businesses about congestion. City Council voted on whether to send the motion to the Executive Committee.Billy Bishop Way as primary transit corridor through Downsview redevelopment; referred to committeeCouncillor Pasternak moves to have city staff explore using Billy Bishop Way as the main route for TTC buses, trucks, and general traffic through the Downsview redevelopment, aiming to reduce impacts on the Ancaster neighbourhood during the Dufferin Street extension. The motion was subject to referral and requires committee review before council decides.City council asked staff to create a strategic plan for Forest Valley Outdoor Centre in Ward 6Councillor Pasternak moved that Toronto City Council ask staff to develop a strategic plan for Forest Valley Outdoor Centre, which is losing its seasonal lease with the Toronto District School Board. The plan must balance preservation of green space, ravines, trees and canopy with public accessibility, security and maintenance. Council passed the motion unanimously.Mayor should retake direct seat on Toronto Police Service Board, signaling accountability for policingCity Council was asked whether the mayor should occupy the seat reserved for the head of council on the Police Services Board starting in 2026. The Police Services Board sets policing priorities and approves the $1.43 billion police budget. The mover argued the mayor's presence would restore direct accountability for policing to the city's elected leader.City accepts $1 million playground donation from L6 Foundation for Balmy Beach ParkToronto City Council voted to accept a $1 million in-kind donation from the L6 Foundation to refurbish the playground at Balmy Beach Park in the Beaches. The foundation will provide construction services, with Parks and Recreation overseeing design review and community consultation. Council authority is required under the City's Donation Policy for gifts exceeding $50,000.City council directs staff to study naming a park after Daniel StopnickiCouncillor Mike Colle proposed that the city study options to name a suitable park in the Eglinton-Lawrence area in memory of Daniel Stopnicki, a Seneca and Centennial College professor and local champion of off-leash dog parks who was killed in April. The proposal would direct Parks and Recreation staff to consult residents and work within the city's Commemorative Framework.City council approves BTS Boulevard street signage to mark K-pop group's visitToronto City Council voted to rename a portion of Yonge Street as 'BTS Boulevard' during the Korean pop group's Arirang World Tour concerts. The motion, moved by Councillor Lily Cheng and seconded by Councillor James Pasternak, ties the temporary signage to K-pop cultural programming at Mel Lastman Square and Korea Town North. No substantive debate was recorded.Dundas Street corridor transit priority measures, community council referral amended to infrastructure committeeCity Council adopted a report on transit priority improvements made to the Dundas Street corridor and directed staff to develop further measures, including an engagement plan. Councillor Carroll amended the recommendation to route the follow-up work to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee rather than back to Toronto East Shore Community Council, citing the need to track financial implications and align with citywide priorities. The motion passed 20-2.City Council to consider 299-unit, 14-storey residential building at 1-11 Vinci Crescent in North YorkPlanning and Housing Committee recommended approval of an Official Plan Amendment and Zoning Amendment to allow a 299-unit residential tower on a block of six houses in North York, subject to a Holding provision requiring the developer to address servicing and compatibility issues. Council has not yet voted on the recommendation.Sheppard and Sheppard West: city council faces zoning amendment for 9,250-unit mixed-use development with affordable housing and parkland conditionsPlanning and Housing Committee recommended approval of a zoning amendment for 1377 Sheppard Avenue West to allow six to 60-storey mixed-use buildings with 9,250 dwelling units, 10 percent secured affordable rental housing, and new parks and community facilities. Councillor Pastornak moved amendments to expand parkland dedication and urged rejection based on precedent concerns about mid-rise buildings in stable neighbourhoods. City Council has not yet voted.
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
- Attempt to push mayor onto TPS board handcuffed by City Council
- Two locations of Jewish-owned bakery chain damaged
- Calls for Live Nation to do more to mitigate noise coming from Rogers Stadium
- Construction to begin next month on Leaside Bridge safety barrier
- Noise levels at Rogers Stadium still an issue for neighbouring residents
- Toronto committee moves to trial memorials for fatal crashes, overruling staff
Back to Councillor James Pasternak · Every recorded vote · Lobbying contacts