Because we’ve apparently got to re-hash every major debate we had last term, this month’s big item will be expanded gaming at Woodbine. However, there’s many other important things on City Council’s agenda for this meeting before the August break, including the Poverty Reduction Strategy, childcare funding, flood management, new bike lanes, and more.

Deputy Mayor Pam McConnell is in charge of the City’s interim Poverty Reduction Strategy, which comes to Council this month. I cannot recommend strongly enough that everyone read the staff report, which explains who in our city is poor; why they are poor; the process the City will use to come up with anti-poverty strategies; and more. If you only read one thing I link in this post, read this, and don’t think I won’t know if you don’t. I have analytics, y’all. I can tell what gets clicked on. Just fucking do it. Anyway, they write: “Over time, policy choices have made Toronto the most unequal city in Canada. The City and its partners can do things differently. Governments can make ongoing choices that reduce poverty.” I think this is important to emphasize. Our society actively makes and keeps people poor. It is a consequence of choices we make all the time that prioritize the convenience of the powerful over the lives of the powerless. The full Poverty Strategy will come to Executive Committee in late October, and to Council in November.

No, a downtown casino is not up for debate. What we’re talking is expanding the gambling facilities at Woodbine Racetrack. When bundled with the proposal for a downtown casino, it was shot down; but on its own, and with the mayor’s support, I think it is likely to pass. Proponents for a Woodbine casino, like Andray Domise, say that the isolated and neglected Rexdale area needs investment and jobs, and that opponents haven’t provided any other ideas. Opposed progressives like Cllr Mike Layton cite the public health impact of gambling, and argue that a more sustainable strategy is building transit, which would make it easier for people in Rexdale to work outside the neighbourhood. Check out the staff report for yourself. What do you think?