A ward where everyone is safe, connected, and able to afford to stay.
Vanessa's platform is built on three pillars — and the intergovernmental strategy needed to deliver them.
What Vanessa is fighting for.
Affordability
1 in 10 Torontonians are using food banks right now — and 1 in 4 of them are children. The cost of daily life in Parkdale–High Park touches rent, childcare, groceries, and more. Vanessa is committed to addressing root causes, not just symptoms.
- Advocate for a housing-first approach, prioritizing permanent supportive housing over shelter cycling
- Address the root causes of food insecurity: affordable housing, income supports, and access to decent work
- Advocate for stronger tenant protections that shield long-term residents from displacement
- Push for city investment in childcare and family supports that make it possible to raise children in the ward
- Engage all levels of government to align income support programs with Toronto's real cost of living
Community
Isolation is one of the leading root causes of homelessness across all demographics. With 40% of our ward living in 1-person households, building genuine local connection isn't just about quality of life — it's a public health priority.
- Facilitate local connection through interfaith and neighbourhood initiatives that bring residents together around what we share
- Protect and invest in third spaces — public parks, libraries, community centres, and the local small businesses that form the social fabric of our neighbourhoods
- Support organizations that combine frontline service with systemic policy advocacy
- Fund youth programming and outreach in under-resourced areas of the ward
Safety
Despite many notable crime metrics improving in 2025, Torontonians still don't feel safe. Vanessa believes day-to-day safety is built through responsive city services, strong community bonds, and infrastructure that works for everyone.
- Ensure proper allocation of emergency services across all areas of the ward
- Require faster and more thorough city responses to snow and flood maintenance events
- Address transportation safety — congestion, transit reliability, bike infrastructure, and pedestrian safety — through community consultation
- Support alternative crisis response programs that connect people in distress to the right services
Intergovernmental Relations
Municipalities are creatures of the province — which means the most impactful changes in Toronto require collaboration beyond City Hall. Vanessa will work across all three levels of government to unlock the funding, authority, and coordination that Parkdale–High Park deserves.
Push for Torontonian decision-making authority on issues that directly affect our residents — housing, transit, and social services.
Build working relationships with local MPPs and MPs to align priorities and deliver results for Parkdale–High Park at all three levels of government.
Identify and advocate for new revenue growth opportunities that reduce the city's reliance on property taxes and enable sustainable investment in community priorities.
What do you want to see here?
This platform is a living document. Your ideas help shape what Vanessa fights for — share what matters most to you in Parkdale–High Park.
Ready to get involved?
Join the campaign and help build a ward that works for everyone.