Survey Results: Scarborough Southwest City Councillor By-Election

TTCriders sent City Council candidates running in the Scarborough Southwest by-election an 11-question survey about transit issues. Scroll down to read their responses. Your next City Councillor will make decisions about how much the TTC costs, how often the bus comes, and more. 

 

Live in Scarborough Southwest? Election Day is Thursday, November 30th, 2023 and Advanced Voting takes place November 25 and 26. Click here to learn more on the City of Toronto website. 

NOTE: There are 23 candidates running in Scarborough Southwest. If your candidate does not appear below, it is because they haven't answered the TTCriders survey yet.

1. A commercial parking levy on big malls and corporate landlords could raise between $173 - $490 million per year, according to the most recently published City of Toronto estimates. A commercial parking levy could be designed to exclude small strip malls, and target the largest malls and corporate landlords. Will you vote to implement a commercial parking levy of large malls and corporate landlords as a dedicated new funding source for TTC operations?

Corey David Anthony Internicola

Yes. I would just say that this cost should not be passed on to residents, requiring regulation to that effect, shopping malls may be a bit different but the point should be tax the wealthy owners not the people needing goods or homes.

Yes. I support the implementation of a commercial parking levy on large malls and corporate landlords as a dedicated funding source for TTC operations. This initiative could significantly contribute to improving public transportation services by providing a sustainable source of funding. Targeting larger businesses while excluding smaller ones reflects a fair approach to sharing the responsibility. This measure aligns with my belief in fostering a robust public transportation system and ensuring equitable contributions from businesses for the benefit of the community.

Syed Jaffery Suman Roy

Yes

Yes. In principle it's a great idea that I align with, I would like to see the greater details in the staff report and meaningful consultation must be done.

Kevin Rupasinghe Reginald Tull

Yes. In August 2023, I gave a deputation at City Hall on why we need a commercial parking levy to plug the budget hole that threatens to further deteriorate the quality of vital services and amenities that make Toronto a city worth living in. I talked about the impacts our budget issues have already caused in the ward, such as transit cuts and inadequate housing provisions. The commercial parking levy is by far the most efficient and fair proposal for raising the large amounts of money our city needs to keep running. The equivalent raised through property tax increases would average around $600 a year, and TTC increases would have to be 30 times more than the most recent increase to close a similar budget gap. The parking levy would cost around $1.50 a day for a spot, pennies on the dollar. This offers a further benefit in that increases incentives for building more housing on the many, many never-full parking lots found all around the city, operating as “lazy land” during a housing crisis when land is an exceedingly precious resource. You can watch & read here: www.kevrup.ca/parkinglevy


No. I would not vote to implement a commercial parking levy on large malls because the cost will trickle down on the common person. Landlords would pass the cost to store owners, store owners would raise prices, and customers would pay more (including the ones that used TTC to get to the mall). Ultimately it would be the shopper paying the levy.

 

2. Transit improvements don’t need to cost billions of dollars and take decades to build. Measures like traffic signal priority and bus lanes are a cost-effective way to improve reliability and speed. But Toronto’s plan for transit priority, which involves 10 bus and streetcar corridors by the end of the current Council term, is stalled. Will you vote yes to implementing transit priority measures on Lawrence East by the end of the current Council term?

Corey David Anthony Internicola

Yes, and many other major arteries need attention, especially Kingston road. 

I voted ‘Yes’ to implementing transit priority measures on Lawrence East by the end of the current Council term because I believe in the importance of cost-effective solutions to enhance public transportation. Measures like traffic signal priority and bus lanes can significantly improve the efficiency and reliability of transit services, benefiting both commuters and the community. Addressing the stalled plan reflects my commitment to taking timely actions for the betterment of our local transit system, promoting accessibility, and ensuring a smoother and more reliable commuting experience for everyone.

Syed Jaffery Suman Roy

Yes.

Yes. 

Kevin Rupasinghe Reginald Tull

Yes. Toronto is one of the few lucky cities that never tore out our historic streetcars, and our streetcar system -- the largest in the Americas -- is one of the gems of our transit network. Our bus system is the busiest in North America outside of New York City. We have such impressive resources to draw on if we wanted to make it easy to get around on transit, but our current way of running things chokes these resources of their full potential. Anyone who takes transit in Toronto has had the frustrating experience of waiting too long for their bus and then seeing two or three of the same bus show up at once (bunching). Or caught the streetcar only to have it slow to a stop as the dozens of people in the streetcar wait fore one car blocking the lane. By giving transit priority to our streetcars and buses, we can eliminate bunching, unreliable arrival times, and make getting around the city considerably faster, at very little expense. I would strongly support implementing effective transit priority measures on Lawrence East and elsewhere in the city.

Yes. 

3. The City of Toronto has initiated a “Complete Street Extension” project on Kingston and Danforth between Victoria Park and Scarborough Golf Club Road. Kingston Road has 3 lanes and a section of Kingston is already a red RapidTO bus lane between Scarborough Golf Club Road and Morningside. If feasible, would you support extending bus lanes along Kingston as part of the Complete Street redesign?

Corey David Anthony Internicola

Yes, all the way to Victoria Park would be beneficial in my opinion.

“Yes” to extending bus lanes along Kingston. Bus lanes, if well-implemented, have the potential to improve traffic flow by prioritizing public transit, which could indirectly benefit drivers by reducing congestion. Extending bus lanes could contribute to a more efficient and smoother traffic experience.

Syed Jaffery Suman Roy

Yes.

Yes. A decision like this can only be made after meaningful and equitable community consultation and only move forward with broad local support. 
Kevin Rupasinghe Reginald Tull

Yes. I have been a vocal proponent for transforming Kingston Road from a highway into a complete street. I will engage the local community and City staff experts on any streetscape changes to Kingston Road, and ensure that we are properly funding frequent transit so that if bus lanes are installed, they are not sitting empty.


No.

4. Without prioritization for transit at traffic signals, multi-billion dollar rapid transit infrastructure like the Eglinton Crosstown LRT will not maximize its potential. Hundreds of transit users could get stuck waiting behind a few single-occupancy vehicles turning left, in particular along the on-street section of the Crosstown LRT east of Laird.Will you advocate and vote to give the Crosstown LRT active Transit Signal Priority?

Corey David Anthony Internicola

Yes, as a streetcar operator I see it all the time, things like no left turns at major intersections during rush hour or peak hours really help traffic and public transit flow, rail vehicles should have a "right of way" or priority sections like the king street transit corridor."

“Yes” to give the Crosstown LRT active Transit Signal Priority, it is more likely to have a positive impact on traffic for both drivers and transit users. Transit Signal Priority is designed to improve the efficiency of public transit by minimizing delays at intersections. This means that the Eglinton Crosstown LRT would experience fewer disruptions at traffic signals, potentially leading to smoother traffic flow overall. So, as a car driver, supporting this measure could contribute to a more efficient and less congested road experience.

Syed Jaffery Suman Roy

Yes.

Having transit be fast and reliable is intrinsically important to the success of the project and increasing TTC ridership.

Kevin Rupasinghe Reginald Tull

Yes. The Crosstown LRT, when it opens, should be a revolutionary project for Scarborough Southwest, connecting our residents to midtown and west Toronto. Unfortunately, the current proposal to run it without signal priority will significantly reduce its capabilities for speedy travel through Eglinton East. I would propose to run the LRT with signal priority to ensure that the ground-level sections in Scarborough run as efficiently as the underground sections to the west.

Yes. 

5. Line 3 Scarborough RT has closed, at least 7 years before a subway replacement opens. The TTC has voted to transform the decommissioned Scarborough RT rail corridor into a bus-only corridor, which will save riders 10 minutes in each direction, but the project is unfunded.If the province of Ontario does not fund the construction of the Scarborough RT busway, will you vote to have the City of Toronto fund its construction?

Corey David Anthony Internicola

Yes. This is essential infrastructure that Scarborough not only needs but deserves, it is a shame the crosstown can not be accommodated on to the RTs raised platforms, I'm not sure of their physical condition but if it can be economically salvaged this would be a great opportunity to revitalize existing infrastructure. in the interim I would support the busway.


No. As the next City Counsellor for Ward 20 Scarborough Southwest and someone who holds a conservative view of life, I’m casting my vote ‘No’ to underscore that the funding responsibility for the Scarborough RT busway should be a shared commitment between the City of Toronto and the province of Ontario. Scarborough means a lot to Premier Doug Ford, and with proper actions and effective advocacy, I am confident that our voices will be heard. I am dedicated to taking proactive and empowering conservative measures, including exploring all available avenues to ensure collaborative funding for this vital transit project. If necessary, we will take assertive action to engage the government of Ontario and collectively find a solution that benefits the residents of Scarborough Southwest.

Syed Jaffery Suman Roy

Yes.

Yes, and this is not a black and white answer, we need to be able to have the financial ability to support another infrastructure project without impacting other City Services.

Kevin Rupasinghe Reginald Tull

Yes. Since before the Scarborough RT shut down, I have been sounding the alarm about how devastating this shutdown will be for Scarborough residents who depend on the RT to get to work, school, and shopping. I’ve long been pushing for a proper plan to replace the Scarborough RT with an off-road busway. I made a video about this issue, created a widely-signed petition, and have spoken to media outlets about the problem and the need for an off-road dedicated SRT busway. You can see all of this here: www.kevrup.ca/bettertransit

Yes.

 

Yes. 

6. Scarborough RT service has been replaced by buses on the street. Riders spoke up for red bus-only lanes for shuttles, but buses are getting stuck in traffic at intersections.Will you advocate and vote yes for active Transit Signal Priority to keep Scarborough RT replacement buses moving?

Corey David Anthony Internicola

Yes. Public transit should be the priority, we should encourage and incentivize its use.

 

I am voting ‘Yes’ for active Transit Signal Priority to support the replacement buses in Scarborough. This measure can enhance transit efficiency, ensuring smoother traffic flow for both transit users and car drivers. It’s a practical step towards addressing the challenges faced by replacement buses at intersections and promoting a more effective and reliable transit system.

Syed Jaffery Suman Roy

Yes.

Yes. Of course, this will also help the the flow of traffic smooth for everyone.

Kevin Rupasinghe Reginald Tull

Yes.

Yes. 

7. A TTC staff report recently revealed that Warden Station will not be accessible before the 2025 deadline set by the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Will you advocate to speed up renovations to Warden Station to become fully accessible?

Corey David Anthony Internicola

Yes. I will, it is unfortunate that it has taken this long to get these changes made, it does take time, investment and labour to get these projects done and we should do all we can to get the upgrades made, while keeping in mind the cost and trying to be as efficient as possible, chronic lack of support for public infrastructure is why we have these issues, we need to plan ahead, think things through and really commit to the needs of the future.

Yes. I am voting ‘Yes’ to advocate for the acceleration of renovations at Warden Station. Accessibility is my top priority, and it’s crucial to expedite the project, especially given the potential delays highlighted in the recent TTC staff report. While I recognize concerns about project timelines, ensuring accessibility aligns with my commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive transit environment. My focus is on prioritizing the needs of commuters, particularly those with disabilities, and pushing for timely improvements in Warden Station to meet the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) requirements.

Syed Jaffery Suman Roy

Yes.

Yes. This is an important issue for me. We need to meet our commitments to the citizens of this City. Any renovation should also take into account access to the West Scarborough Rail trail and the Affordable Housing Project to the North of the Station.

Kevin Rupasinghe Reginald Tull

Yes. Every time I travel through Warden station, I see parents struggling to haul strollers up and down multiple flights of stairs just to use local transit. For Scarborough Southwest residents with limited mobility, they have to avoid Warden station altogether -- shamefully cutting off their access to one-third of the TTC transit hubs in our Ward. The accessibility project for Warden station is long overdue and I was dismayed to see the recent announcement that completion of this crucial project would be further delayed. As Toronto city councilor, I will be a strong voice for speeding up this project and ensuring that Warden is welcoming and accessible to every resident.

Yes. 

8. The TTC’s “Family of Services” plan to reduce the Wheel-Trans budget by restricting some users from door-to-door Wheel-Trans trips and forcing them onto conventional streetcars, subways, and buses for parts of their trips will result in isolation and less access for seniors and people with disabilities. Recent projections state that the TTC would save a mere $5.3 million in 2025 by making “Family of Services” mandatory. Will you vote no to making the “Family of Services” mandatory, and keep full door-to-door Wheel-Trans access for those who need it?

Corey David Anthony Internicola

Yes.

I am voting ‘No’ to making the ‘Family of Services’ mandatory because I strongly believe in prioritizing accessibility, especially door-to-door services for individuals with disabilities. While I understand the consideration for budget savings over the three-year term, my priority is ensuring that those who rely on Wheel-Trans have the necessary support and convenience for their daily commute. As a compassionate community, we should prioritize the well-being and accessibility of all residents. I am committed to advocating for policies that promote inclusivity and support for the diverse needs of Toronto residents, particularly those who depend on full door-to-door Wheel-Trans access.
Syed Jaffery Suman Roy

Yes.

I will work to address our "last-mile" problem by promoting walkability and expanding the TTCs Community Bus pilot to our ward in order to increase connections between transit stops and residential areas for seniors within the ward. 

Kevin Rupasinghe Reginald Tull

Yes.

Yes. 

9. TransformTO sets out a path to meet climate goals by increasing transit ridership with better TTC service levels. But the 2023 Toronto City Budget passed by the former mayor cut transit service by 9% compared to pre-pandemic levels, and changed the TTC’s service standards so that less service runs in the off-peak hours, when shift workers are more likely to be commuting and when people are using grocery carts and taking strollers on board. Although Mayor Chow has begun to reverse those cuts, Line 2 subway service and local bus services have not been fully restored. Will you vote to reverse all TTC service cuts and increase service beyond pre-pandemic levels?

Corey David Anthony Internicola

Yes.

I am voting ‘Yes’ to reverse TTC service cuts and increase service because I believe it is a responsible investment in our community. While maintaining fiscal conservatism is crucial, this decision aligns with the overall well-being of our city, meeting climate goals, and ensuring accessible transit services. It’s a balanced approach that prioritizes financial responsibility while addressing the needs of our community, contributing to the city’s long-term sustainability.

Syed Jaffery Suman Roy

Yes.

Yes. If the demand is there the services will follow, a successful and safe TTC is key to the environmental and financial goals of the city and the TransformTO plan.

Kevin Rupasinghe Reginald Tull

Yes. As a community organizer, I have dedicated a great deal of energy to ensuring that TTC service is as robust, frequent, and fast as possible. Alongside other community members, we successfully pushed back on TTC’s attempt to eliminate the 69 Warden bus, participated in TTC riders’ community-led “Safety For All - Public Transit Safety Townhall, andI have actively educated our community and organized pushback to many TTC bus service cuts in Scarborough over the past year. I strongly support reversing all TTC cuts and expanding TTC service to higher frequencies than 2019 levels. See my work at www.kevrup.ca/bettertransit

Yes. 

10. Areas off of Kingston Road such as Cliffside could benefit from an expansion of the Community Bus Service. Will you advocate for more Community Bus Service within the neighbourhoods of Scarborough Southwest?

Corey David Anthony Internicola

Yes.

I am voting ‘Yes’ to advocate for the expansion of the Community Bus Service within the neighborhoods of Scarborough Southwest. Recognizing the potential benefits, especially in areas like Cliffside off Kingston Road, this initiative could enhance accessibility and connectivity for our community. As a committed advocate, I believe in addressing the specific transportation needs of our neighborhoods, and supporting the expansion of the Community Bus Service aligns with our goal of providing efficient and accessible public transit options for residents in Scarborough Southwest.

Syed Jaffery Suman Roy

Yes.

Yes. I have been on the record since the beginning of this campaign about my support for expanding the TTCs Community Bus pilot to our ward.

Kevin Rupasinghe Reginald Tull

Yes. Community bus services are an essential component of the last-mile network and a lifeline for senior citizens in Toronto, connecting them to essential services and amenities in their community. In an area like Scarborough Southwest, many seniors who cannot drive or do not have a vehicle struggle to get around the Ward. A community bus service would make life easier for residents without a car, and allow us to reduce traffic in the Ward.

Yes. 

11. Will you work towards TransformTO’s goal of free transit, by allocating funding for the Fair Pass in your term as Mayor and expanding free transit to people who receive social assistance, high school students, and on extreme weather alert days?

Corey David Anthony Internicola

Yes, free transit for all should be the end goal, it has worked elsewhere, we can end confrontations that put workers and the public at risk, we can give dignity to marginalized people, we can focus on more socially productive work, and we can pay for it with progressive taxes on the most wealthy, while cutting cost of enforcement and reducing the technology needed to process payment.nt

Yes.

I am voting ‘No’ because while I support the idea of free transit, I believe it should be targeted towards specific groups facing unique challenges. My preference is to prioritize seniors over 70, people with disabilities, and students up to grade 12. By focusing on these groups, we can ensure that free transit benefits those who may need it the most, while also considering the financial implications for the city and promoting self-sufficiency, especially for those on social assistance.

Syed Jaffery Suman Roy

Yes.

Yes. I think this is a question for the Mayor, though I support equitable access to transit.

Kevin Rupasinghe Reginald Tull

Yes. I will work diligently to allocate the necessary funding for the Fair Pass and the expansion of free transit to social assistance recipients, high school students, and on extreme weather alert days. This is a vital step towards building a more equitable, sustainable, and inclusive Toronto, and I am fully committed to making it a reality.

No. Individuals on social assistance should and high school students should not be getting a free ride in life, however I on extreme weather alert days anyone should be able to ride for free, it would be the civil thing to do.

 

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