Josh Matlow – Ward 22 candidate
WEBSITE: www.joshmatlow.com
EMAIL: campaign@joshmatlow.com
PHONE: 416-487-3251
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1. What key issues define your campaign platform?
- Fiscal prioritization and accountability: As councillor, I am prepared to make the difficult but necessary decisions to put Toronto back into a position that allows us to invest in the priorities that are important.
- Enhancing our public transportation system: Public transit is vital to Toronto’s economy and the ability of our residents to access work-and-play destinations. The TTC is in need of an expansion to keep up with our growing city, and a change in its governance model to improve its relationship with riders and the province.
- Improving the public realm: As councillor I will work to create additional green space and public space while beautifying our existing ravines and parks. I will also advocate for local design criteria, along with better public engagement on proposed height and density, to protect and enhance our neighbourhoods’ distinct character while proposing new measures to ensure better design for new buildings across Toronto.
2. Why are you the best candidate for this position?
People want their councillor to work with them to create an inspiring plan to improve Toronto and to make informed decisions, rather than engaging in left- or right-wing partisanship.
As our school trustee since 2003, I have a record of working with our community. I’ve demonstrated a commitment to being proactive, fiscally responsible and able to set priorities while ensuring local residents are involved in the decision-making process.
My motions on major initiatives have passed successfully through the Toronto District School Board while I have also stood up to decisions that have not been in the best interests of our community.
I’m a resident of Ward 22, have run my own business, been a co-director of a major environmental organization and have directed a $2.3 billion budget.
I have consulted with Ward 22 residents to create a platform that will make our neighbourhoods more beautiful, inclusive and functional places to live, work and play.
3. What specifically do you plan to do for your ward, if elected?
- Will hold regular town halls to keep an open dialogue with residents and consult with our community to identify priorities during the budget process.
- Support the underground line for Eglinton Avenue throughout Ward 22 (approved by Metrolinx), rather than an above-ground streetcar line.
- Protect existing parks and ravines from development pressures and ensure they are clean and safe.
- Work to expand Oriole Park onto TTC yards and create more access points to the Kay Gardner Belt Line.
- Create Ward 22’s first community garden and support the Yonge/Eglinton farmers market.
- Create a more effective green and blue bin system, including for apartment buildings.
- Work with residents on traffic and parking concerns including better enforcement, mitigate noise from rail lines and direct city staff to keep our streets clean.
- Assign a member of my staff a “tenant expert” to help renters with all questions and concerns.
4. Please provide details on your personal bio.
My wife Melissa and I are residents of Ward 22, in which we plan to raise our family. This is our home.
I have always been an activist for our community and deeply appreciate the endorsements and support from residents residing in every neighbourhood in our ward including our MP, Carolyn Bennett, former councillor John Adams and active leaders in our local ratepayers and tenants associations and school councils with whom I’ve worked closely.
My full bio can be found at www.joshmatlow.com
5. Who do you plan to support for mayor?
I am not endorsing a mayoral candidate.
I will work on behalf of the residents of Ward 22 as their councillor. If the new mayor proposes something that is good for our community, I will support it. However, if there is a proposal that is not supported by my residents, I will be the first to challenge it.

