If you don’t spend much time on social media, especially my social media, you might be surprised to learn that there’s a municipal election here in Toronto in less than three weeks. In fact, advance polls begin tomorrow. Time sure flies when you’re in a constant state of disquiet, amirite? Climate crisis. War in Europe. North Korean missiles over Japan. Tactical nuclear strikes. Omicron omnivariant. A ‘King’ Charles. The upcoming wildcard series.
Tomorrow, August 19, is the deadline for candidates to file nomination papers in order to run in the October 24th municipal election race. On Monday the 22nd, the city clerk will certify the nominations, making everything official. 
After the Labour Day weekend, the campaign will begin in earnest.
Barring any last minute, out-of-the-blue entries, I think it’s safe to say, Toronto is staring down at the most desultory civic election since, perhaps, 2000 when Mayor Mel Lastman rolled to re-election in the 2nd post-amalgamation campaign, handily defeating environmental activist Tooker Gomberg with nearly 80% of the popular vote. Continue reading
In these days of relentless bad and worse news, I think it’s important to take the opportunity to hail the infrequent good tidings of comfort and joy that come our way, celebrate a little Christmas in July, regardless of how small or local these moments of brightness may be.
Like last week’s announcement from Denzil Minnan-Wong, city councillor for 28 years, dating back to pre-amalgamation North York and John Tory’s deputy mayor primo for the past 8, that he would not be seeking re-election this fall. Huzzah! Cheers all round! Release the confetti and balloons!
Denzil the Dismal. Continue reading