In 2019-20 I was invited to volunteer for a committee to look at improving the operation of advisory committees.
Here’s my undoubtedly frustrated delegation from last Thursday (Sept 17th) when the staff report ‘informed by’ our recommendations reached the committee stage.Read More …
We’re joined by Hamilton Spectator columnist, National Post auto journalist and onetime city hall volunteer Lorraine Sommerfeld, as we discuss some of the themes from the last few weeks in light of the behaviour we are seeing in Hamilton, and the general problem of how to get citizen voices heard in ways which are respectful and don’t waste anybody’s time.Read More …
This was a piece I wrote as part if Burlington’s Advisory Committees citizen review panel which I took part in during 2019-2020. It certainly gave a lead balloon a run for its money in terms of how swiftly it sank without trace, but here for the sake of ‘oh well, why not?’ it is.Read More …
Dave Meslin has been the most prominent voice encouraging the adoption of ranked ballots in municipal elections, something that both Burlington and Mississauga are currently considering. His book “Teardown: Rebuilding Democracy from the Ground Up” is an essential look at both the massive systemic problems with how our democracies currently work, and the well established solutions that already exist, if we can only have the courage to adopt them.Read More …
Audra Williams and her partner Haritha Nanaratna have created a website named ninetyminutesfrom.com. It’s a website that quantifies the communities of the 905 region on factors you won’t find on many real estate websites. Such as Black Lives Matter support, LBGTQ+ and Pride organizations, indigenous issues awareness and voting patterns.
Stay tuned for part two where Joel and Roland discuss the barriers created in city halls, and ask for the first of no doubt many time ‘what on earth is the problem with Hamilton Council?’.Read More …
The story of Burlington’s Official Plan review goes to the heart of how we build a better future in the 905. What does this divisive experience say about local democracy and development in Ontario? What works? What is broken? What needs to change? Over the next several weeks, I hope to shed some light on these questions.Read More …
Only an investment of funds reflective of the magnitude of the challenge Ontario’s schools face can make Ontario’s new school year safe.Read More …
With less than 3 weeks remaining until Ontario’s students are meant to head back to school, Tuesday’s 905er podcast includes an interview with representatives to the Halton Public and Catholic school boards. Read More …
Roland Tanner and Joel MacLeod are joined by Cindy Cosentino, who recently retired after 32 years as a teacher inRead More …
Roland Tanner and Joel MacLeod introduce the 905er podcast – a podcast for the Ontario GTHA’s 905 region outside Toronto.Read More …
