Alan Broadbent

Mar 5, 2024 | spacing.ca | Alan Broadbent |Elizabeth McIsaac

When Toronto last searched for a new Chief Planner, in 2017, we encouraged the City to look at planning, and planners, through the lens of human rights. We argued that taking a human rights-based approach to planning could positively impact people’s daily lives, build a better city, and help Canada meet its international obligations. Gregg Lintern, who took on the position then and is now retiring, understood and embraced the importance of human rights, and leaves behind a platform to build on.

Jan 30, 2024 | spacing.ca | Alan Broadbent |Elizabeth McIsaac |Cheryl Thompson

With the Toronto budget about to be voted on shortly, we talk to crisis worker and homelessness advocate Diana Chan McNally about what the City needs to invest to help refugees and other unhoused people, whey the federal government needs to step up, and why the police don’t need another big budget increase.

Apr 26, 2023 | maytree.com | Alan Broadbent |Elizabeth McIsaac

No one wants encampments. Not the people who live in them, who would almost certainly rather live in a stable, adequate home. Not the neighbours, who want to use the parks for their intended purpose. Not any of us, who are distressed and ashamed that in our wealthy city we make and prop up systems that make people homeless. A lot of talk has been swirling around lately about how it is time to “clear” encampments.

Feb 16, 2023 | maytree.com | Alan Broadbent

Incumbency is the dominant factor in Canadian municipal elections. Ninety per cent of the time, an incumbent candidate for mayor or a council seat wins. This makes it tough for a city without term limits to renew its leadership. Even in cases where an incumbent is under investigation or the cloud of scandal, they still often win. There are reasons incumbents win. Mostly it is familiarity, a name voters know.