Days in office 2278 Elected on October 27, 2014
Took office on December 1, 2014
Not started 51 of 106 48%
In progress 12 of 106 11%
Achieved 22 of 106 21%
Broken 21 of 106 20%

This website is designed to provide an objective appraisal of the promises that John Tory made during and after his 2014 municipal mayoralty campaign.

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In progress Subways Line 2 subway extension to Scarborough Start the discussion!
In progress ADDING QUEUE-JUMPING BUS LANES TO KEY INTERSECTIONS OUTSIDE OF DOWNTOWN TO IMPROVE BUS COMMUTE TIMES Start the discussion!
Achieved Better construction staging that doesn’t take up traffic lanes for years Start the discussion!
Achieved Engage the City with the Government of Ontario’s and Metrolinx’s plans for Regional Express Rail (RER) – all-day, two-way surface subway service on existing GO track lines with new higher-speed vehicles Start the discussion!
Achieved Engage the City with the Government of Ontario’s and Metrolinx’s plans for Regional Express Rail (RER) – all-day, two-way surface subway service on existing GO track lines with new higher-speed vehicles Start the discussion!
In progress Expanding Toronto’s on-street cycling network by placing a priority on safer, separated bike lanes in sensible locations as part of an integrated transit network; · Creating partnerships with businesses to build more bike lanes, bicycle parking and bike sharing programs and facilities; · Developing a tourism cycling strategy, including the expansion of Toronto’s destination cycling trail network; · Ensuring bicycle lane maintenance is a separate line item in the municipal budget so the funding is transparent; · Ensuring all SmartTrack stations are equipped with secure, sheltered bicycle parking to facilitate cycling as part of the daily commute for people in every part of the city – not just downtown; and · Increasing the number of bicycle parking facilities at existing TTC and transit stations as well as on city streets. Start the discussion!
Not started EXPLORING HOW WE CAN USE LAKE ONTARIO’S WATERWAYS FOR COMMUTING. Start the discussion!
Achieved Express buses Start the discussion!
Not started Finance the City’s one third of the capital cost of the SmartTrack line without raising property taxes, using tax increment financing. Start the discussion!
Not started Finance the City’s one third of the capital cost of the SmartTrack line without raising property taxes, using tax increment financing. Start the discussion!
Not started First-class transportation. Attracting and retaining high value added businesses requires attracting super-skilled workers. These people, and their employers, demand excellent cities with great public amenities, and the ability to move from home to work to play with ease. Toronto’s struggling transportation system has to be upgraded to make the City’s competitive equation work. As Mayor, John Tory will make this his top priority. Start the discussion!
Broken Freeze transit fares Start the discussion!
Broken Freeze transit fares Start the discussion!
Not started Greater focus on transit access for lower and middle-income neighbourhoods. Many of the SmartTrack stations are planned to be near, or in, lower and middle-income neighbourhoods. Its routes will also offer lower and middle-income neighbourhoods much more convenient access to higher-order transit than is currently the case. Start the discussion!
In progress Implementing the “hybrid solution” for the Gardiner Expressway , with the assurance that no increase to commute times be experienced Start the discussion!
Not started KEEPING THE GARDINER BY MAINTAINING AN ELEVATED, SIX-LANE EXPRESSWAY THAT CONNECTS DIRECTLY TO THE DON VALLEY PARKWAY AND ELEVATES COMMUTERS FROM LAKESHORE EAST. Start the discussion!
Not started Launching a pilot program to assist single parents on Ontario Works to achieve meaningful employment; • Children under 12 years of age riding the TTC for free; Start the discussion!
In progress MAKING SMART DECISIONS WHEN IT COMES TO ALIGNING TRAFFIC AND ROAD CONSTRUCTION TO GET DRIVERS MOVING FASTER AND MORE EFFICIENTLY Start the discussion!
Achieved NOT PROCEEDING WITH CONSTRUCTION OF THE $150 MILLION “EGLINTONCONNECTS” PROPOSAL, UNTIL ACTUAL FUNDING HAS BEEN SECURED AND A CONGESTION-CAUSING NARROWING OF LANES HAS BEEN ELIMINATED. Start the discussion!
Not started Promoting this area of Toronto as a new business hub creating 70,000 jobs at full build-out Start the discussion!
Not started Provide new express bus services for a segment of travelers that can be moved much quicker if fewer stops are made en route. Examples, which have been discussed, include, Don Mills Road, Dufferin Street and Front Street/Liberty Village Start the discussion!
Not started Provide new express bus services for a segment of travelers that can be moved much quicker if fewer stops are made en route. Examples, which have been discussed, include, Don Mills Road, Dufferin Street and Front Street/Liberty Village. Start the discussion!
Not started Providing greater transportation opportunities for seniors to get to appointments, access services and participate in community events. Start the discussion!
Not started Relieving road and public transit congestion by providing commuters a faster, cheaper, and more comfortable transit option. Providing significant relief to transit congestion for the Yonge-University-Spadina and Bloor-Danforth subway lines. In particular its critical point of maximum pressure, the Bloor-Yonge Station. Ensuring full fare co-ordination with the TTC subway system. Covering vastly more area than any other candidate’s proposals. Delivering rapid transit to major employment centers in Toronto connecting people to jobs. Start the discussion!
Broken Start construction of the Scarborough subway extension immediately. Start the discussion!
Broken Start with the SmartTrack line as the first RER project, providing 53 km of relief. The SmartTrack line will run from the Airport Corporate Centre in the west, down to Union Station and back up to Markham in the east, with 22 new station stops and four interchanges with the TTC rapid transit network. Start the discussion!
Broken Start with the SmartTrack line as the first RER project, providing 53 km of relief. The SmartTrack line will run from the Airport Corporate Centre in the west, down to Union Station and back up to Markham in the east, with 22 new station stops and four interchanges with the TTC rapid transit network. Start the discussion!
Not started The new SmartTrack line in-service within seven years, instead of 17 years. Start the discussion!
In progress The new SmartTrack line in-service within seven years, instead of 17 years. Start the discussion!
In progress Rail Lands Development of a 21-acre greenspace in the downtown core constructed above the Railway Lands. Start the discussion!
Achieved Accordingly, as Mayor, Tory will: • appoint a Creative Economy Advocate within the Mayor’s office who will act as a liaison between the creative community and the Mayor Start the discussion!
Not started As Mayor, Tory would leverage the city’s Imagination, Manufacturing, Innovation and Technology (IMIT) Program to temporarily reduce property taxes for a set period – 10 years – to encourage start-ups and other businesses to relocate to Scarborough Start the discussion!
Not started CONNECTING YOUTH WITH JOBS AND TACKLING YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT - In the first year of a John Tory administration, we should be looking to double the number of companies in PAYE Start the discussion!
Not started Doubling the number of employers participating with the City’s Partnership to Advance Youth Employment (PAYE) to increase access to jobs for young people. Start the discussion!
Not started DRAWING INVESTMENT: THE MAYOR MUST BE A 21ST CENTURY SALESPERSON - City coordination should fall under a single person responsible for targeting investment and solving the problems that get in the way of job creation. Start the discussion!
Not started For example, as Mayor, Tory would capitalize on tremendous economic opportunity in northwest Toronto where York University will soon be connected by subway with the Humber River Regional Hospital. Tory outlined his plan to create a high tech employment corridor to attract big and small businesses in areas such as software and biometrics. Start the discussion!
Broken In Scarborough, he has committed to a specialized Scarborough Subway Expansion Community Improvement Plan – where property taxes would be reduced for a set period to entice start-ups and companies relocated to move to this area. A priority would be placed on creating opportunities for young people within this project. Start the discussion!
Not started “I want to make sure that when the shovels start digging in 2015 they do so under an integrated plan that will not only bring economic growth and jobs to Scarborough, it will also support my vision for a more affordable city by growing our assessment base and helping to keep taxes low,” said Tory. Start the discussion!
Broken John Tory’s “One Toronto” plan includes championing practical solutions such as: Modernizing how City Hall and businesses work together by creating a single touch point for business permit applications and other services sought by those seeking to invest in Toronto; Unifying and streamlining the operations of Invest Toronto, the City Economic Development Department and the Greater Toronto Marketing Alliance to make our city more functional; Tackling youth unemployment by connecting young people with jobs, not just at large corporations but also at small and medium sized businesses; and Making Toronto the Research and Development centre of the world for Smart City Technology. Start the discussion!
Not started John Tory’s “One Toronto” plan includes championing practical solutions such as: Modernizing how City Hall and businesses work together by creating a single touch point for business permit applications and other services sought by those seeking to invest in Toronto; Unifying and streamlining the operations of Invest Toronto, the City Economic Development Department and the Greater Toronto Marketing Alliance to make our city more functional; Tackling youth unemployment by connecting young people with jobs, not just at large corporations but also at small and medium sized businesses; and Making Toronto the Research and Development centre of the world for Smart City Technology. Start the discussion!
Achieved John Tory’s “One Toronto” Youth Employment plan includes championing practical solutions such as: In 2015, doubling the number of companies in PAYE – Partnership to Advance Youth Employment. Start the discussion!
Not started John Tory will double the number of foreign investment leads in his first term as Mayor. Start the discussion!
Not started Streamlining approvals at City Hall An economic development team will focus on results while maximizing the space for taxpayers and creating jobs. Start the discussion!
In progress “These are the moments we must seize as a city,” said Tory. “As your Mayor, I will form a unique partnership with developers and investors, and work with city council to help maximize transit to create a new business hub. It’s time we start saying yes, as a city, to bold and ambitious projects.” Start the discussion!
Not started Tory’s vision for a Scarborough innovation hub is part of his broader “One Toronto” plan to encourage more business and better jobs across Toronto. It is part of his overall vision to make Toronto more liveable, affordable and functional. Start the discussion!
Broken Tory to reduce property taxes along Scarborough subway to create innovation hub Today, at a round table discussion with local leaders and business owners at Wexford restaurant, Toronto Mayoral candidate John Tory talked about the details of his plan for a new innovation hub which will help create new jobs in Scarborough. Working with the Scarborough Economic Strategy Task Force, Tory stressed that, as Mayor, he will support the development of a new employment hub along the new Scarborough subway by temporarily lowering property taxes for 10 years in order to encourage businesses to locate along the transit corridor. Start the discussion!
Not started Tory will also work with the City staff to provide a strategic planning framework, specialized zoning, expedited applications and a coordinated approach across departments to ensure the subway expansion is part of an integrated jobs and innovation plan for Scarborough. Start the discussion!
Not started We must also coordinate and rationalize programs that purport to help youth but only end up creating more bureaucracy. We should consolidate the City’s youth employment services and include businesses in a partnership to reach out to our youth and connect them with employers and skills training. Just as a city can help create industry clusters and innovation centres, a city can also help connect youth to new opportunities. Toronto’s Mayor should lead this effort; John Tory will. Start the discussion!
Broken Address the Toronto Community Housing repair backlog immediately. Tory will move right away to invest $864 million, Start the discussion!
Achieved Advocate for more child care spaces. Early learning and child care is vital to the development of our children. While Toronto Child Services is a good operation, Toronto needs more spaces. More focus should be placed on this need in City planning and development and usage of City and school properties. Tory will advocate for increased child care funding from the federal and provincial governments. Start the discussion!
Not started As Mayor, I would educate communities in Toronto on the advantages of Smart Energy Networks, and enable the use of our City’s underutilized assets and rights of way to be enablers of thermal energy systems using technologies like geoexchange (geothermal), solar thermal and cogeneration. Start the discussion!
Not started build the SmartTrack line, which will bring transit and traffic relief citywide in seven years, connecting Toronto’s creative hotspots to the whole city Start the discussion!
Achieved Collaborate with local clean energy technology leaders and incubators to support local talent Start the discussion!
Not started Create a Sustainable City Advisory Board comprised of green energy industry leaders and sustainability experts to provide advice on innovative solutions to energy efficiency and climate change Start the discussion!
Achieved Direct this new Environment Advocate to report back on the creation of realistic, and achievable, long-term plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from municipal assets, and improve on air quality, waste diversion, and reduction of toxins within municipal jurisdiction Start the discussion!
Not started Ensure more city owned land (including TPA and TCH land) is used for affordable housing. BUILD TORONTO is the agency for the development of surplus and underused city owned lands. More of these lands need to either be dedicated to affordable housing or sold and proceeds used to build other properties suitable for residential purposes. Tory will press the federal and provincial governments to have similar policies for their Toronto-owned (including TPA and TCH) lands. Start the discussion!
Achieved Establishment of a Standing Committee on Housing and Homelessness at City Council. The establishment of this Standing Committee recognizes the importance of housing issues and homelessness for Toronto. Currently there have been only ad-hoc committees on these issues. Start the discussion!
Achieved Expanding Youth Hubs at four Toronto Public Library sites for the after-school drop-in program to provide grade 7–10 students with free tutored help, workshops and other activities. Start the discussion!
Achieved Expand the Rent Supplement program. Toronto has an enormous waiting list of over 90,000 households seeking safe, decent, and affordable accommodation. Rent supplements are needed to help move people faster into needed housing. Tory will work with all levels of government to increase funding of this program. Start the discussion!
Not started Explore planning tools under the Planning Act can help ensure housing for a mixture of income households Start the discussion!
Achieved Explore tax incentives for affordable private sector housing. Directly with the federal and provincial governments, and through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, Tory will explore tax incentives for affordable private sector housing. Capital cost allowance provisions have in past helped to produce much of the rental housing stock in Toronto. Start the discussion!
Broken • Explore ways to create more affordable living and work spaces for artists, including vacant storefronts, abandoned warehouses and city-owned spaces Start the discussion!
Not started FIGHTING GRIDLOCK INITIATIVE After reaffirming his campaign’s top priority, building the SmartTrack line which will provide Yonge Street Relief, earlier this week, John Tory released today elements of his plan to tackle Toronto’s road gridlock. The “Fighting Gridlock Initiative” will result in the building of smarter roads and waterways, easing the traffic congestion facing frustrated Toronto citizens each and every day. Start the discussion!
Not started I will ensure that city resources are used exclusively for city business by tightening spending rules and oversight mechanisms. Not one public penny will be used on personal matters. Start the discussion!
Broken Join in the movement for a 10-year plan to end homelessness. Tory will join in the continent-wide movement for a 10-year plan to address homelessness. He will continue with the City’s Housing First and Streets to Homes policies, and consider adding Shelters to Homes and prevention programs for the near homeless. The critical challenge is to include getting people out of shelters and into real housing solutions. Tory will work with all levels of government and social groups to develop and execute a real strategy in this area. Start the discussion!
Achieved no councillors on the task force, while there were developers/financiers-- to review and recommend changes to the corporate structure of TCH, and ensure that the needs of our social housing population are being met in the best possible way. The task force will have reporting deadline of July 1, 2015. Start the discussion!
Not started promote Toronto as “Music City,” building on the work of the local music industry to bring more festivals and more tourists, and to create a Music Office similar to the city’s Film Office Start the discussion!
Not started Real-Time Energy Monitoring for Municipal Buildings Under my leadership, Toronto will lead by example, and then encourage our private and non-profit real estate owners to take part in a cross-city energy benchmarking program. T Voluntary Energy Benchmarking for Private Buildings Start the discussion!
Achieved Review and re-invigorate Toronto’s Tower Renewal program and promote affordable infill housing. Tory will explore incentives, such as reduced development charges, so that more affordable housing can be created in apartment complexes, particularly as a contribution to the Strong Neighbourhoods Strategy. Start the discussion!
Achieved Support a National Housing Strategy. Tory will work with the federal and provincial government, as well as other Mayors and municipal associations, such as the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, to advance a National Housing Strategy. Start the discussion!
Achieved The City’s funded one third share, in overdue repairs at TCH, and will also press the federal and provincial governments to step up and invest now. Start the discussion!
Achieved The new Environmental Advocate will also be responsible for a comprehensive plan to prepare the City and its infrastructure for climate change adaptation; particular attention will be paid to helping homeowners prevent incidents such as basement flooding as a result of climate events Start the discussion!
Not started The proposal includes private sector investment – 15 million square feet of valuable office space, retail and residential developments, and will link new and vibrant parkland and Lake Ontario to existing neighbourhoods. Start the discussion!
In progress Toronto Community Housing is the second largest operator of social housing in North America and needs reorganization. As Mayor, John Tory will form a task force comprised of City Councillors, tenants and housing experts Start the discussion!
In progress Toronto’s own version of “Canary Wharf” would see the redevelopment in the East Don Lands and will help create 70,000 jobs Today, at Mountain View Coffee in the East Don Lands, Toronto Mayoral candidate, John Tory, unveiled his plan to deliver Toronto’s version of the renowned United Kingdom’s Canary Warf. Working with the private sector, Tory announced he will support the development of a second major business district for Toronto creating 70,000 jobs. The vision is part of Tory’s multi-faceted “One Toronto” plan announced last week. Start the discussion!
Not started TORONTO: THE WORLD’S FIRST BIG “SMART CITY” - Unfortunately, the City hasn’t kept pace. Toronto has only 10% of the open data sets available compared to New York City. We should work to double the available data each year for the next ten years until we are truly a global leader. Start the discussion!
Broken Tory will enhance the Rent Bank Program, which helps low income tenants facing eviction with no-interest loans. It is a program that needs more resources and greater awareness by tenants in difficulty. Start the discussion!
Broken Tory will work with City Council and the provincial government (legislation may be necessary) to ensure that a significant amount of Section 37 funds are used for retention or new construction of affordable housing. Section 37 funds result from increased heights or densities on re-zoning applications – largely from condo development in the downtown area. Funds are used for local amenities on or near the site of the re-zoning. Start the discussion!
Broken Tory will work with the not-for-profit and co-op housing sectors, as well as private sector developers, to develop long-term solutions to both the retention and provision of affordable housing for Toronto. He will also promote the consideration of social impact bonds. Start the discussion!
Achieved • work with city staff, arts organizations and the private sector to see what non-tax measures are available to meet and even exceed the $25 per capita arts funding goal by 2017 Start the discussion!
Not started work with the other levels of government to ensure consistent, stable funding, and other conditions needed to support our cultural institutions and the broader cultural sector. Start the discussion!
Not started Accountability I will ensure that city resources are used exclusively for city business by tightening spending rules and oversight mechanisms. Not one public penny will be used on personal matters. Start the discussion!
Not started Personal Conduct I will respect and defend our laws, not break them. I will act with the highest degree of integrity, honesty and professionalism that public office demands. In short, I will respect the law. Start the discussion!
Broken Personal Conduct I will show up for work each day to get things done, and I will do this in a transparent manner. This includes keeping a weekly schedule that is public and easily accessible. Start the discussion!
Not started Appoint an Environment Advocate to ensure consistency with environmental policies and to coordinate across existing City departments, agencies, boards and commissions Start the discussion!
Broken Expanding the Student Nutrition program up to 27 new schools; Start the discussion!
Not started Federal and provincial policies have produced a very strong corporate tax regime for our corner of the globe. John Tory will make sure that City taxation builds on that advantage and grows more competitive. Start the discussion!
Achieved Give continued priority to neighbourhood improvement programs within the Strong Neighbourhoods Strategy. Toronto has 31 neighbourhoods that fall below the equity scores under the Strong Neighbourhoods Strategy. Tory will work with community groups, government officials at all levels, the private sector, and particularly the residents of these neighbourhoods to develop new and innovative ways of accomplishing equity as quickly as possible. Start the discussion!
Not started 'He has woken up': John Tory takes steps to fix property tax system Start the discussion!
Not started Improve food security. Food Bank usage is on the rise. Part of the answer is more affordable housing so individuals and families have enough income left for affordable nutritious food. Toronto also needs more nutrition/ breakfast programs in schools. Start the discussion!
In progress IMPROVING THE BUSINESS CLIMATE: GOOD GOVERNMENT MEANS KNOWING WHEN TO GET OUT OF THE WAY - From our ‘Business Education Tax’ – as Mayor, John Tory will push the province to cut this tax. Commercial property tax rates are part of the problem. As Mayor, Tory will also continue the commercial-to-residential property tax rate rebalancing program. Start the discussion!
Not started I will always treat city staff with respect and professionalism. A Mayor can be tough and decisive without being overbearing and brash. Start the discussion!
Broken I will build and promote strong working relationships with neighboring municipalities and other levels of government without regard to their political stripe. Torontonians want tangible and meaningful results and that means working together. I will mend relationships and build bridges in a divided City Council by working with every member on an issue-by-issue basis. The outcome needs to reflect a desire to make life better for Torontonians. Start the discussion!
Achieved I will conduct, at a minimum, a weekly press availability that is open and honest. Fostering meaningful and open civic dialogue requires a Mayor who answers questions – not runs from them. Start the discussion!
Broken I will introduce real penalties for elected officials and public servants who abuse the privileges, responsibilities and trust that accompany public service. We work for Torontonians – not the other way around. Start the discussion!
Not started I will not compile an enemies list. Torontonians do not want a party system at city hall. I will use the mayor’s office to work with people, not carry on old fights Start the discussion!
Not started I will require all lobbyists to register in order to make our system more fair and accountable, including leveling the playing field for union lobbyists. Start the discussion!
Broken I will respect and defend our laws, not break them. I will act with the highest degree of integrity, honesty and professionalism that public office demands. In short, I will respect the law.I will show up for work each day to get things done, and I will do this in a transparent manner. This includes keeping a weekly schedule that is public and easily accessible. Start the discussion!
Not started I will respect and defend our laws, not break them. I will act with the highest degree of integrity, honesty and professionalism that public office demands. In short, I will respect the law.I will show up for work each day to get things done, and I will do this in a transparent manner. This includes keeping a weekly schedule that is public and easily accessible. Start the discussion!
Broken JOHN TORY ANNOUNCES PLAN TO SAVE TREE CANOPY BY PLANTING 3.8 MILLION TREES Start the discussion!
Broken John Tory will work with the province no matter who wins the election to increase educational opportunities in Toronto. Start the discussion!
Not started Leadership. No city can compete in the dynamic twenty-first economy without strong leadership that is focused on the City’s real challenges. We’ve been missing that leadership for a long time. John Tory will bring it back. Start the discussion!
In progress Provide leadership for the City’s Poverty Reduction Strategy. City Council has decided to pursue this strategy. Tory will follow through on the pledge he signed to work towards the detailed provisions of the strategy, including developing goals and timetables. Start the discussion!
Not started We must cut in half the time it takes to secure approvals for new foreign investment and related projects, and reduce by 20% the number of regulations we place on all the businesses that call Toronto home. Start the discussion!
Not started We need to create more functional and closer working relationships with the Board of Trade, Chamber of Commerce, Business Development Bank, the financial community, private equity and our excellent higher education institutions. These groups need to see the City not as an obstacle, but a partner in growth. Start the discussion!
Not started Work with other levels of government, partners and other jurisdictions on tackling climate change and its effects; Release an annual “Sustainable City Report” that I will take pride in presenting to our city stakeholders Start the discussion!