Ward 4 Parkdale-High Park, a vibrant Toronto neighborhood known for its progressive housing policies, is currently up for grabs in the upcoming City Hall elections. With a population of around 105,000 people, this diverse ward encompasses Victorian residential streets in Parkdale and Roncesvalles, as well as the industrial area in The Junction along the rail lines, with High Park at its heart. The ongoing debate on gentrification in the area is fueled by a mix of residents from various income levels, with slightly over half of them being renters according to the 2021 census.
After serving as City Councillor since 2006, Gord Perks has announced his retirement, paving the way for a competitive race with 10 candidates vying for the position. Among the hopefuls are a realtor, an engineer, a former TDSB trustee, and community workers, all eyeing the opportunity to lead the community forward.
Affordability, particularly in terms of housing, safety along Parkside Drive, and enhancing car access to High Park, are some of the key challenges identified by Perks for his successor. Carolyn Whitzman, a resident of Parkdale and an expert from the University of Toronto’s School of Cities, underlines that the issue of housing affordability is likely to be a significant factor for voters, given the neighborhood’s history of innovative approaches in this area.
With the election day set for Monday, October 26th, the residents of Ward 4 Parkdale-High Park have the chance to shape the future of their neighborhood by casting their votes.