This round table discussion was an opportunity for the Mayoral Candidates to communicate their vision for the future of Toronto. The conversation centered on the physical environment and the way in which architecture, design and planning contribute to that vision of the city. The public were able to hear first hand from the candidates their thoughts and opinions about this important issue.
John Bentley Mays is an award-winning Toronto writer on art and architecture. Since 2003, he has written a weekly column on architecture and urban design for The Globe and Mail’s Real Estate section. His writings also frequently appear in Canadian Architecture, Canadian Art, International Architecture and Design and other periodicals. He is currently at work on a book about the early shapers of Toronto’s urban texture and vision.
Gary Switzer is the President and CEO of MOD Developments Inc. A graduate of the University of Toronto School of Architecture in 1978, Mr. Switzer founded the high-rise division of Great Gulf Homes in 1988 and was responsible for a number of successful and award-winning developments in Toronto, including The Saint James, The Morgan, The Hudson, 18 Yorkville, X and Charlie. MOD’s first development will be released soon, a 45-storey mixed-use project at 5 St. Joseph, near Yonge & Wellesley in downtown Toronto.
Rob Ford is a lifelong resident of Toronto. The son of a former MPP, the late Doug Ford, Rob grew up with community service in his blood. Elected in 2000 as the Councillor representing Ward 2 in North Etobicoke, Rob has become one of the hardest working councillors in the city. His focus on ensuring transparency and accountability in public spending, setting an example for excellence in customer service, and his passion for making sure tax dollars are spent on the things people and families need most has marked him as a leader on council.
Giorgio Mammoliti, a Toronto City Councillor, has represented Ward 7 - York West for the past 15 years in which he served as Chair of the Affordable Housing Committee, Chair of the Toronto Zoo Board, as well as a member of Toronto's Executive Committee. Within his own Ward, Mammoliti was instrumental in the development of the Emery Village Business Improvement Area, the largest such BIA in Canada. As a sitting member of the Emery Village BIA board, Mammoliti was able to stabilize and revitalize the North West pocket of Toronto and continues to expand the area with a $10 Billion commitment towards the Ward's revitalization.
Joe Pantalone is known for his thirty-year record as progressive yet pragmatic councillor. Besides serving as Toronto’s Deputy Mayor for the past six years, he has deep grass roots connections especially in the city's diverse and immigrant communities. Joe works tirelessly to make Exhibition Place an environmental, heritage and festival showcase. As the City’s Tree Advocate, tens of thousands of new trees have been planted in Toronto since 1999. Joe is a leader in Toronto’s efforts to become North America’s leader in implementing best practices in environmental sustainability. He believes that in order for the City to work for everyone, public services must be better funded and protected.
A success in both the business and not-for-profit worlds, Rocco hold a master’s degree from Princeton University in New Jersey. Rocco’s business experience includes senior executive roles at The Boston Consulting Group, the Toronto Star and Labatt/Interbrew. He has also served as CEO of the Ontario Heart and Stroke Foundation and as National Director of the Liberal Party of Canada. Rocco, his wife Rhonnie and son DJ live in Toronto.
George has been a passionate advocate for a better Toronto, working for positive change in many areas including housing, human rights, heritage preservation, community economic development, and the fight against crime and drugs. As a Member of Provincial Parliament, George represented the riding of Toronto Centre for over ten years. As Minister of Health and Long-Term Care and Deputy Premier, George expanded the province’s Community Health Centres, helped provide over half a million Ontarians with access to a family doctor, and improved wait times for key services. As Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, George helped make Ontario a leader in renewable energy policy and creating opportunity for more than 50,000 new green energy jobs.
With encouragement from her husband, Greg, and two young sons, Sarah believes that Toronto needs a Mayor with vision; a leader who can go beyond the scope of a career politician. “Great cities have great leaders; mediocre cities are run by managers…I am not a manager. I am not a politician, but a visionary who understands what needs to be done to make Toronto into a great city.”
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