Priority to Increase Public Involvement in Civic Affairs

Background on this priority

Toronto’s size, diversity, need for social cohesion and the necessity to make the city welcoming and supportive of business and development, make governance both inordinately important and unbelievably complex. We have one over-arching vision; a government, that with its people, plans for the future, takes care of the present, and respects the past.

The City We Want - The Government We Need: The Report of the Governing Toronto Advisory Panel, November 2005

The public plays many roles in shaping our city. They engage through voting, deputing at City Council and Committee meetings and through direct contact with their Councillors on individual issues. In addition the public participates on municipal boards, agencies and commissions, and as members of task forces, and advisory and consultation committees. Members of the public contribute to the development of programs and policies through public meetings, commenting on proposals, participation in planning charettes, attending information sessions, volunteering for special events, serving on grants and award panels, partnering with the City through community and neighbourhood organizations and in direct communication with City staff.

The City has a responsibility to ensure the public understands how the municipal government works and supports the public to become engaged in local issues. Staff assist the public to organize around and resolve community and neighbourhood issues. The City has adopted and implemented policies and programs to remove barriers and promote equitable participation of all residents.