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Garnet Lollar

@garnetlollar.bsky.social
143 followers 240 following 137 posts

TDSB Science Teacher, More Neighbours Toronto member, big unruly nerd. He/him.

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Reposted by Garnet Lollar
Damien Moule @damienmoule.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
This week is the last (real) city council meeting of the term. Here is a🧵reflecting on the policy and program changes Toronto did (and didn't do) to get new housing built this term. 1/
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Observing The City @observingthecity.ca · 28/05/2026
28 cyclists and 11 cars make their way through an intersection on University Avenue during rush hour on a Thursday, 8:45AM. The moving vehicles (and 3 parked cars) are allotted 3x the space. There are many actors out their not acting in good faith.
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Garnet Lollar @garnetlollar.bsky.social · 25/04/2026
Came without @fairvote.ca materials, somehow ended with them in our hands to give out at the #ditchdoug protest today!
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Melissa Bowman @dtkmelissa.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
"If we want to see less public drug use and people sheltering on transit (or other public spaces), we must begin by reopening and expanding supervised consumption sites and by addressing housing unaffordability." -Diana Chan McNally
buff.ly
How Doug Ford made the drug problem on the TTC worse
If we want to see less public drug use and people sheltering on transit, we must begin by reopening and expanding supervised consumption sites and by addressing housing unaffordability.
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Avi Lewis @avilewis.ca · 31/01/2026
Many Canadians were proud to hear Mark Carney pledge that Canada would help forge a new international order that would be "fairer" than the last. This sure isn't it.
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Damien Moule @damienmoule.bsky.social · 14/01/2026
Just a gentle reminder that we've been there to support rent-geared-to-income housing, and affordable housing, and city-led housing, and homeless shelters, and supportive housing, and non-profit developers, and student residences, and multiplexes, and garden suites, and, and, and...
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More Neighbours Toronto @moreneighboursto.bsky.social · 14/01/2026
Yes in my backyard
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More Neighbours Toronto @moreneighboursto.bsky.social · 05/01/2026
Happy new year - it's "back to work" in more ways than one! Make it a new year's resolution to get out to more IN-PERSON consultations in your area! Not sure where to start? Use our Consultations 101 video here for tips to get your foot in the door! www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvUc...
youtube.com
Toronto City Consultations 101: How to Advocate For More Housing In Your Neighbourhood!
YouTube video by More Neighbours Toronto
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More Neighbours Toronto @moreneighboursto.bsky.social · 18/12/2025
Allowing Small Single Stairs building in Toronto would unlock many more homes to be built And now the State of Minnesota found that these buildings are also safer.
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Rodney 🚧🚇 @chanface.bsky.social · 07/12/2025
Surreal meeting @uytaelee.bsky.social from About Here, @carastern.bsky.social from Missing Middle Podcast, and Paige Saunders at the @moreneighboursto.bsky.social AGM/Holiday Party!
Picture of me and Uytaeselfie of me and UytaePicture of me, Cara, and Paige
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Jane Roberts @redjane67.bsky.social · 03/12/2025
And this, dear reader is how you prevent housing from being built.
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More Neighbours Toronto @moreneighboursto.bsky.social · 04/12/2025
"The chair of this committee frequently says that in Ontario, we zone for buildings, not for people. But when we have a report that says adding new buildings will create complete communities and we couldn't possibly do that in Rosedale, I wonder if that's true."
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Gabe Oatley @gabeoatley.bsky.social · 27/11/2025
NEW: In Toronto's previously red hot rental market, rent decreases were a rarity. Now, one prominent Toronto realtor said he hears about once per month from landlord clients who have been willing to negotiate price downward to keep good tenants. www.torontotoday.ca/local/real-e...
torontotoday.ca
How Toronto tenants are negotiating rent decreases amid the condo downturn
Where tenants have been successful in negotiating lower rent, it’s typically in the range of a 10 or 15 per cent decrease, according to a real estate expert
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More Neighbours Toronto @moreneighboursto.bsky.social · 21/11/2025
The first single stair approval under Toronto's Alternative Solution Proposals! This will allow more livable space in the units while maintaining fire safety through sprinklers and other measures. Thanks to @pamelablais.bsky.social for persisting & everyone at the City who helped to make it happen.
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Wency Leung @wencyleung.bsky.social · 19/11/2025
As MPPs vote on Bill 33, check out @royinori.bsky.social's analysis of what it would mean for colleges and universities thelocal.to/bill-33-onta...
thelocal.to
Doug Ford Is Trying to Control How Universities Operate | The Local
Ontario’s Bill 33 mandates merit-based admissions and gives the province unprecedented power over university and college operations. Is it part of a broader right-wing crackdown on campuses?
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More Neighbours Toronto @moreneighboursto.bsky.social · 18/11/2025
The province's actions, together with it's inability to build or encourage necessary housing, is setting us up for a massive social deficit. When affordable housing or rent becomes so difficult to find, we're pushing people onto the streets, into the hospitals, and into the morgues.
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Matt Elliott @graphicmatt.com · 13/11/2025
Councillor Shelley Carroll says she gets a lot of calls wanting her to fight applications for cannabis store licenses, but, "I can't, in my database, find a single complaint about one once they are open." Perhaps there's a lesson there.
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Andrew @andrewjd.bsky.social · 14/11/2025
Yesterday I sat for a lecture by 3 folks from ReHousing. Hosted by UofT's school of Arch, they detailed the history of change in Toronto, how post-war suburbs rubber-stamped neighbourhoods as repetitive as a 100 floor condo does today, horizontally, & how for half a century we've seen near no change
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Toronto Star @thestar.com · 14/11/2025
#Breaking: Toronto will allow new corner stores in residential neighbourhoods
thestar.com
Toronto will allow new corner stores in residential neighbourhoods
Small-scale retail will be allowed on select 'community streets' downtown.
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More Neighbours Toronto @moreneighboursto.bsky.social · 24/10/2025
The myth that there are "hundreds of thousands" of vacant units wasn't true when local NIMBYs said it in 2024 and it's not true when the Attorney General of Ontario says it today. Tenants shouldn't have their rights weakened because of the Ford government's failure to build.
Tweet from More Neighbours Toronto on 2/12/2024:
"The myth of abundant vacant apartment buildings allows people to oppose new apartments without dealing with the human reality of housing demand." Brb, getting this tattooed on our forehead.
Quote-tweeting this video from Oh The Urbanity:
https://bsky.app/profile/ohtheurbanity.bsky.social/post/3kl7z2piw4f2q
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Colleen @cbailey6.bsky.social · 22/10/2025
Councillors will put in black and white that they are requesting a heritage study in response to intensification and new housing. And then heritage staff will tell you to your face that heritage doesn't prevent development.
On letterhead for Councillor Dianne Saxe (Ward 11, University-Rosedale)
"Palmerston Area Character Study and heritage evaluation
Dear Toronto and East York Community Council members:
SUMMARY:
Palmerston Avenue and surrounding streets constitute a distinctive and beautiful
residential area with distinctive architecture and design context. It has long been on the
list of candidate areas for a Heritage Conservation District. Recent policy changes are
accelerating intensification and new housing in this unique area. While additional housing
is needed and can help support local businesses, it is important that development be
guided by an understanding of community priorities as it relates to matters of design."
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Isaac Callan @isaaccallan.bsky.social · 06/10/2025
NEW: Vehicles registered to Doug Ford's cabinet ministers have been caught by automated speed cameras more than 20 times. In one case, they were driving 70 in a 40 zone. On average, they were 17 over the limit. #OnPoli globalnews.ca/news/1146373...
globalnews.ca
Vehicles registered to Ford cabinet ministers caught by speed cameras more than 20 times | Globalnews.ca
Documents obtained by Global News reveal that, over three years, vehicles registered to Ford’s cabinet minister received more than $3,300 in fines for speeding.
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More Neighbours Toronto @moreneighboursto.bsky.social · 05/10/2025
If you've finished with baseball, stop by North York Centre for #NuitBlanche. Someone (not us!) cut up Toronto's bylaws to make new ones. It's art! Make your own edit: futureperfectbyelaws.com
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Madeleine Bonsma-Fisher, PhD @mbonsma.bsky.social · 02/10/2025
We often assume seniors rely on driving and can't use active transportation for their daily needs, but often it's the reverse: many people become unable to drive as they age. This #WeekWithoutDriving, I'm thinking of my great aunt and others like her who get around without a car.
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More Neighbours Toronto @moreneighboursto.bsky.social · 02/10/2025
Meeting on Oct 16 to update the Official Plan to agree with provincial policy. Themes include: - Population and Employment Growth Forecasting - References to Urban Growth Centres - Heritage and Archaeology - Employment Areas and Land Use Compatibility Info & registration: www.toronto.ca/PPSUpdate
toronto.ca
Provincial Planning Statement 2024 Consistency Exercise
We want to hear from you! Register for our virtual Public Open House on October 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. to to learn more about proposed changes to Official Plan sections on growth forecasting, mobility, h...
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Michelle Cyca @michellecyca.com · 30/09/2025
It was very special to work with six brilliant, thoughtful Indigenous writers — Michelle Good, Julian Brave NoiseCat, Eva Jewell, Janelle Lapointe, Anna McKenzie and Riley Yesno — on this series about truth and reconciliation, in print & online for @thewalrus.ca. thewalrus.ca/truth-and-re...
thewalrus.ca
The Truth of Reconciliation | The Walrus
The TRC report, released in 2015, laid out ninety-four clear Calls to Action. Ten years later, Indigenous writers reflect on what has and hasn’t been achieved
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The Breakdown AB @thebreakdownab.bsky.social · 30/09/2025
At tonight’s “consultation”… When a high school kid tried to raise concerns about the teachers strike, Bruce McAllister cut the kids mic and then suggested his parents should have beaten him more. Listen to the clip yourself… It’s… Telling. #abpoli #ableg #cdnpoli
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Jane Roberts @redjane67.bsky.social · 17/09/2025
Super cringe.
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Garnet Lollar @garnetlollar.bsky.social · 17/09/2025
@paulafletcher.bsky.social @petertabuns.bsky.social Hosted a panel on ON's energy future- there was no opportunity for questions from the public, and even the chat function was disabled partway through. There were a lot of misinformed takes against nuclear, and very little said about fossil fuels!
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More Neighbours Toronto @moreneighboursto.bsky.social · 16/09/2025
With fall drawing near, civic life in the city reinvigorates with more public consultations- there's never been a better time to advocate for more housing! Want to get involved, but not sure how? We made a video to help you get started! Funded through #MNTOgigs www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvUc...
youtube.com
Toronto City Consultations 101: How to Advocate For More Housing In Your Neighbourhood!
YouTube video by More Neighbours Toronto
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More Neighbours Toronto @moreneighboursto.bsky.social · 11/09/2025
Just in time for Single Stair Summer! We support the two main calls from @ericlombardi.bsky.social to unlock in 2- and 3-BR units the same price drops we're seeing in condos: 1) Single stair buildings up to 6 storeys. 2) European elevators up to 10 storeys. www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
thestar.com
The condo market is crashing. Here’s how we keep building as prices fall
For years, restrictive zoning made the midrise apartment impossible. That fight isn’t over, but it is no longer the biggest obstacle. Beyond high development taxes, the emerging barrier today is
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Garnet Lollar @garnetlollar.bsky.social · 10/09/2025
I was the lone renter. There were a lot of people who seem to think that the City's suggestion was a "good compromise". But this "compromise" weighs the voices of just a handful of people in one small area against both the rest of the city, and the lives of future residents- lives that staff...
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More Neighbours Toronto @moreneighboursto.bsky.social · 10/09/2025
Last night, the City hosted a public consultation for Craven Rd (Councillor Paula Fletcher's ward). Staff worked almost a year on a request for bespoke policy, carving out this one road from the City's zoning bylaw permitting as-of-right garden suites, which came out in 2022. 🧵
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More Neighbours Toronto @moreneighboursto.bsky.social · 27/08/2025
Austin is a fantastic example of liberalized zoning bringing down rent prices! Originally shared by @yimbyland.com on the other website.
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More Neighbours Toronto @moreneighboursto.bsky.social · 07/08/2025
🎥 Watch this explainer video to see how single stair egress works and why it’s time Ontario modernized its Building Code. ✅ Join the movement: www.moreneighbours.ca/campaign-sin...
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More Neighbours Toronto @moreneighboursto.bsky.social · 03/08/2025
One of the buildings Toronto could unlock for itself if it allowed single-stair egress up to 8-storeys... Conveniently, exactly what we're pushing the city to adopt! Works out to about 28 families living here and enjoying the shared space, and all the benefits that go with that! #singlestairsummer
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Polling Canada @canadianpolling.bsky.social · 24/07/2025
BC - Those who say they would like to see BC implement (X) for provincial elections: Party-List Proportional Representation: 47% Single Transferable Vote: 43% Mixed Member Proportional Representation: 40% Research Co / July 15, 2025 / n=814 / Online
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august 🍂 @auguststreet.ca · 10/07/2025
public consultation results for dedicated transit lanes on bathurst+dufferin. note overwhelming support (75%+ dufferin, 67-68% bathurst) for transit priority+converting parking to transit lanes. transportation services recommendations + councillor compromises do not reflect what people want.
Page 7 of report: https://www.toronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/8e69-RapidTO-Bathurst-Consultation-Report.pdfPage 7 of report: https://www.toronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/8e8e-Public-Consultation-Report.pdf
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TTCriders @ttcriders.bsky.social · 09/07/2025
(1/7) We are disappointed that City Staff have backed away from recommending RapidTO dedicated transit lanes on Bathurst and Dufferin north of Bloor. These routes—especially Dufferin—have been held up as a cornerstone commitment by this City Council to prioritize transit riders.
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More Neighbours Toronto @moreneighboursto.bsky.social · 08/07/2025
Bluesky has notifications now! Hit the bell icon on our profile to stay up-to-date on city votes, consultations, events, and more opportunities for housing action! We started with @morehomescanada.bsky.social!
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Garnet Lollar @garnetlollar.bsky.social · 25/06/2025
Apparently the councilor thinks any kind of variety of housing designs that will support diverse incomes and help the deepening housing crisis is "ridiculous". Apparently the federal government should just shut up and fork over cash for nothing. Shamefully narrow-minded leadership on display here.
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John Michael McGrath @jm-mcgrath.bsky.social · 25/06/2025
city councillors when nobody but septuagenarian homevoters show up: this is the finest tradition of local democracy at work city councillors when literally anyone else shows up: well that's not REAL public consultation
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Matt Elliott @graphicmatt.com · 25/06/2025
The letter from the federal government to Mayor Chow, warning about financial consequences for not moving forward with housing reforms like sixplexes, is now posted. Here's the key section. www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis... (PDF)
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More Neighbours Toronto @moreneighboursto.bsky.social · 19/06/2025
With an important vote coming to council next week on legalizing multiplexes, we wanted to have a conversation with Ronald who specializes in Multiplexes! Come ask your questions about what it takes to unlock more multiplexes and homes in Toronto Catch us this Monday @ 4pm!
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Chris Glover @chrisgloverndp.bsky.social · 19/06/2025
Ford insults First Nations fighting for their legal rights. The insults are a divide and conquer strategy to scapegoat First Nations. Bill 5 is an attack on not just treaty rights, but the democratic rights of all Ontarians. #ONpoli #StopBill5
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More Neighbours Toronto @moreneighboursto.bsky.social · 13/06/2025
📣 Join the More Neighbours Events Committee! We meet virtually every 1st and 3rd Tuesday from 6 PM–7 PM to plan community events and build the housing movement together. 🖥️🔗 RSVP here: lu.ma/aq2lwlii Everyone’s welcome — let’s make it happen!
lu.ma
More Neighbours Events Committee Meeting · Luma
When: First and third Tuesday of each month Time: 6:00–7:00 PM
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Colleen @cbailey6.bsky.social · 11/06/2025
Oh my goodness. They said it! We built more homes and rents came down. Now we are not building more homes and rents will go up. www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis...
Recent analysis by N. Barry Lyon Consultants Limited (NBLC) has shown that rental rates in privately leased condominium apartments as well as the purpose-built rental units have been declining since 2024. There are multiple forces behind the recent decline in Toronto rents, most notably a recent surge in new rental homes supply, uncertainty in the job market, and reduced inflows of non-permanent residents. As reported by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, purpose-built rental
apartment completions in the City of Toronto hit record-highs over the past two years,
totalling 4,979 completions in 2023 and 4,579 in 2024, nearly double the 10-year annual
average of approximately 2,600 rental apartments. However, due to wider challenges
facing the construction industry such as high construction costs and moderating
demand, it is estimated that once the current under construction inventory is absorbed,
the current wave of completions is unlikely to persist resulting in a potential slowdown in
rental supply in the coming years.
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Robert Zaichkowski @rzaichkowski.bsky.social · 11/06/2025
Given @diannesaxe.bsky.social's misguided proposal to exempt the Bloor to Dupont stretch from the #RapidTO Bathurst project, I sent a note to her, Mayor Chow & #TTC Chair Myers calling on them to stop it. We must never compromise with car-brains! #TOpoli www.twowheeledpolitics.ca/2025/06/open...
twowheeledpolitics.ca
Open Letter to Councillor Saxe RE RapidTO Bathurst
A blog about cycling and political advocacy based in Toronto, Canada. (#BikeTO)
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More Neighbours Toronto @moreneighboursto.bsky.social · 09/06/2025
The City's Planning and Housing Committee meets THIS Thursday. We need all of your voices to get sixplexes as-of-right through. If you're free that morning, come out and speak. It's easier than you think! We'll have lunch after too! Sign up + instructions here: lu.ma/yx5kk4ew
lu.ma
Show up for Sixplexes (and Grab Lunch After) · Luma
We need folks from across the city to speak up at City Hall for this crucial vote on legalizing sixplexes. It’s super simple you get 3 to 5 minutes to share…
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Fair Vote Canada 🗳️🍁 @fairvote.ca · 08/06/2025
Proportional representation prevents the policy lurch we see under winner take all. When one party can govern alone with just 40 percent of the vote, policies swing wildly every few years. PR encourages cooperation and stability, not constant reversals.
A circular diagram titled "Policy lurch explained" shows a cycle caused by a "Winner take all" voting system. The cycle includes: a party winning a majority with 40% of the vote, passing policies opposed by 60% of voters, the opposition promising to reverse those policies, and a divisive election campaign—repeating the cycle.
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