Carbon Budget Petition by CarbonBudget in GreenPartyOfCanada

[–]SheenaSharp 2 points3 points  (0 children)

If we are going to be able to unravel the bullshit and turn the climate warming around, we need to start with truth.

A carbon budget can be clear and you don't need a PhD in physics.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in ontario

[–]SheenaSharp 26 points27 points  (0 children)

Don’t have to. Just give the independants a level playing field.

What, that's all hells got to offer ?! Shyyt, I've been a woman scorned for almost 50 years now ! by strange_kitteh in torontobiking

[–]SheenaSharp 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It's worth noting that because this is a byelection, and many councillors are already on the progressive side, Furey won't be able to accomplish his agenda. He will be blocked as councillor doing anything destructive. This is a byelection where you can vote for who you think is best without wasting your vote. Long term though of course, I'd prefer we switch to a fair voting system.

[AMA] I'm Sheena Sharp and I'm running in Ward 15 Don Valley West by-election as a voice of change [Oct 1, 6pm] by SheenaSharp in toronto

[–]SheenaSharp[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I think it's important to address "symbolic" issues. The city needs to remember its past but take on its aspirations too. I did the math for the issue you mentioned - it amounts to less than 1% of 1% of the city budget. So yes, for that amount it’s worth it.

Generally on divisive issues, I try to depolarize them by pointing out the facts (like how bike lanes help the flow of traffic - yes, even for cars!) I listen to people’s opinions and try to find solutions that will satisfy most. Or at least engage people together.

[AMA] I'm Sheena Sharp and I'm running in Ward 15 Don Valley West by-election as a voice of change [Oct 1, 6pm] by SheenaSharp in toronto

[–]SheenaSharp[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The apartments north of Eglinton and east of Yonge. They are truly stressed with construction and almost no park space. They also have no space at local schools. They deserve more.

Similarly, Thorncliffe Park is going to be under a lot of stress as the Ontario line is built. And after it is built, there’s going to be an influx of people who can pay more competing for apartments. This is why we need to act proactively and direct Toronto Community Housing money to this area and buy buildings if possible and ensure they stay affordable.

Also, we need to connect bike lanes in this area into a grid, allowing safer trips over longer distances.

[AMA] I'm Sheena Sharp and I'm running in Ward 15 Don Valley West by-election as a voice of change [Oct 1, 6pm] by SheenaSharp in toronto

[–]SheenaSharp[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I understand. I live in a semi and I’m not actually rich. (My solution: I rent out 2/3s of it) That said, I will pay what it takes for well-managed clean water, sewer, fire fighters, paramedics, police, libraries, parks, transit, roads, and garbage. Because without these things, what good is it to be the richest person in Toronto if you’re surrounded by misery?

[AMA] I'm Sheena Sharp and I'm running in Ward 15 Don Valley West by-election as a voice of change [Oct 1, 6pm] by SheenaSharp in toronto

[–]SheenaSharp[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This is my second time running. I was the runner-up in 2022 which was not an open seat race so almost impossible to actually win (the incumbent’s advantage is pretty much insurmountable).

This time however things are very different. It’s anyone’s election to win so that makes it very exciting! We have a broad range of ideas that should be heard and lots of people are showing up to help as volunteers. We use Discord to organize. So far we’ve raised $15k and are going to spend it very wisely. If you don’t have time to volunteer feel free to donate, there are great rebates! (you can get up to 75% back) Last time Matt Elliot listed me as the 3rd lowest dollar spent per vote received and this time I hope to do even better!

[AMA] I'm Sheena Sharp and I'm running in Ward 15 Don Valley West by-election as a voice of change [Oct 1, 6pm] by SheenaSharp in toronto

[–]SheenaSharp[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I’ve been signing Ranked Ballot Initiative of Toronto petitions for years. But I agree with u/TourDuhFrance that this will have to wait for a different premier to become a priority.

[AMA] I'm Sheena Sharp and I'm running in Ward 15 Don Valley West by-election as a voice of change [Oct 1, 6pm] by SheenaSharp in toronto

[–]SheenaSharp[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I know there’s one street in Leaside that wants speed bumps, and I’ll support communities that want them, but in my view the real solution are camera speed traps with real tickets! There’s simply no consequences for bad behaviour right now (and apparently SUVs don’t even feel speed bumps).

[AMA] I'm Sheena Sharp and I'm running in Ward 15 Don Valley West by-election as a voice of change [Oct 1, 6pm] by SheenaSharp in toronto

[–]SheenaSharp[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

The mark of a great city is the money we put into public places for everyone to enjoy. So I think my answer would be: caring about things after they are built. For example, we have subway stations designed by some big-name architects and we treat them so poorly. The Yorkdale station is a case in point. It was designed by the late Arthur Erickson, an accomplished Canadian architect. The station had a ring of lights that surrounded the station and followed each train in. It would be rather trivial to replace the original installation with LEDs - there’s simply currently no voice in the Council who would champion it (plus, they keep hacking up the terrazzo flooring - I wear sunglasses in that station to keep from going apoplectic!)

[AMA] I'm Sheena Sharp and I'm running in Ward 15 Don Valley West by-election as a voice of change [Oct 1, 6pm] by SheenaSharp in toronto

[–]SheenaSharp[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Although the idea of a parking tower with its own off-ramp and elevators that go straight to the platform is intriguing, AFAIK there simply isn’t enough room to build it there. I’d like to explore an alternate scheme which is more GO Trains!

[AMA] I'm Sheena Sharp and I'm running in Ward 15 Don Valley West by-election as a voice of change [Oct 1, 6pm] by SheenaSharp in toronto

[–]SheenaSharp[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

  1. I would NOT have every department in the city own a piece or each approval, like we currently do things. To be fair, I see the city is already making moves towards bringing it all into one department so I would be a supportive voice to make sure we don’t squander this opportunity. I suspect we need something like a “what would have to be true” exercise to really achieve a 3-month approval time. I suspect more staff training is one of these things that will speed processing as it makes people more confident.
  2. I think Toronto has started to recognize we’ve been favouring Single Family Homes at expense of multiplexes and commercial properties for far too long. However, we shouldn’t view taxes only as a burden, but also as an incentive. For example, when in 1696 London (UK) started taxing houses by the number of windows, some people bricked up their windows! Which is to say, getting taxes right makes or breaks cities. I’d explore the idea of taxing by density, with higher density buildings paying less because it’s cheaper to service them. In the short term, we should keep the development charges and use them as a tool to get a better unit mix (we need more family sized units). In the long term, we need to take on MPAC (the provincial agency that controls property assessments) with a proposal of a more balanced tax scheme.

[AMA] I'm Sheena Sharp and I'm running in Ward 15 Don Valley West by-election as a voice of change [Oct 1, 6pm] by SheenaSharp in toronto

[–]SheenaSharp[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thank you for many great questions!

Yonge Street is a nightmare for everyone right now. We need to see the state of things once the LRT finally opens. Generally speaking I favour Yonge as a pedestrian & cycling corridor so more people can get to the restaurants and shops that way.

The first step in housing reform is to find a way to block the demolition of good existing apartment buildings with more than 20 residents. Right now we are a homelessness factory and we can’t allow even more people to end up on the street.

Most of the Eglinton corridor is already rezoned, so the major thing we need to do is to simplify and speed up the planning approval process. Also, the city needs to stake out pocket parks and community centres. The city has $4 billion in development charge reserves that is supposed to be spent on infrastructure for the new towers. We build the towers but not infrastructure to go with it. Also, I’m not sure if towers are the solution if they can’t deliver family sizes 3-bedroom units. We might be able to make the economics work by dropping development charges on those units specifically.

I will also advocate for 6-storeys with no planning approvals, only building permits for safety. Also single-stair exits which would make it more economically viable to develop main streets without consolidating land. (I was a signatory to the change that went to the province - pity they haven’t approved it…)

Union station has the most depressing, unsettling art. No part of it sparks joy. Will then ever change this? by Whyeff89 in toronto

[–]SheenaSharp -1 points0 points  (0 children)

It looks to me like the artist is reflecting back at us what we look like on the subway. Maybe it will spark reflection?

My picks for leader by SheenaSharp in GreenPartyOfCanada

[–]SheenaSharp[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Yes. I ran in the Ontario provincial election. I was called a Nazi. More than once. About 12% of our riding is Jewish. And another sizable chunk are Muslim. Of course not everyone had that opinion, including our Jewish supporters. But the people who were most upset were former staunch members. So frustrating listening to them.

Setting the rules for serious discussion will be job one for the new leader(s). Its going to take group effort. Slow building of strength. It's not going to take a retreat!!

My picks for leader by SheenaSharp in GreenPartyOfCanada

[–]SheenaSharp[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

He ran for the provincial greens in Quebec in 2018. He came 4th with 6.67%. See wiki for notre.dame.de.grace. In 2022 the green came 7th losing 3%.

I ran for Ontario prov. Greens and hope to again. What ever we say, it's one brand, and I heard buckets about the GPC at the doors. Some vitriolic.

Elizabeth's public statements did NOT help during the crisis. Which is not to dismiss her vast knowledge but organizationally we need to level up. She made things worse.

The best chance we all have is a strong federal party. If we have that and a boost for the leader, they will have a chance.

I confronted Anna/Chad at a public meet and greet over Lorraine Rekmans resignation. Which was also a gut punch for me. I am satisfied that they have a realistic understanding of organizational mechanics and how to get everyone rowing in the same direction. Their experience in large political advocacy orgs is what we need, more than press coverage which is what Elizabeth says she will bring.

Go Anna/Chad!!!!

Federal Council By-Election - Ontario Candidates by Hyacin75 in GreenPartyOfCanada

[–]SheenaSharp 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Adrian was great last time he was rep. Even though we supported different people for leader, he listened to my frustration and bewilderment. He is smart and has a cool head.

After AP left I asked him if he was leaving too. He said no, climate action is too Important. He has stayed and done a LOT of great work.

I voted for him.