Gord Perks
Councillor Gord Perks is a staunch progressive voice on council, consistently supporting housing initiatives, social policies, and climate action. He frequently dissents on fiscal measures, budget proposals, and select items related to development, transit prioritization, and procedural motions, reflecting a left-leaning political alignment with independent stances on issues of local control and progressive priorities.
Strong and consistent support for affordable housing, tenant protections, and federal/provincial housing funds (e.g., Housing Action Plan, Vacant Home Tax), but with notable opposition to certain provincial housing legislation (e.g., Bill 109) and specific development amendments (e.g., multiplex studies), reflecting a focus on local control and progressive housing policies.
Generally supports public transit and climate-friendly initiatives (e.g., light rail expansions, net-zero strategies), but has occasional dissents on project prioritizations or amendments (e.g., RapidTO updates), showing alignment with sustainable transit while sometimes diverging on implementation details.
Frequently dissents from majority budget and tax proposals (e.g., property tax measures, Long-Term Financial Plan components), often voting against them when they pass, indicating a progressive fiscal stance that may prioritize social spending over austerity or mainstream fiscal plans.
Notable Votes & Deviations
Implementation of Bill 109 (More Homes for Everyone Act)
Demonstrates consistent opposition to provincial housing legislation perceived as undermining local planning control and affordable housing goals.
2025 Operating and Capital Budget
Major fiscal dissent, highlighting his progressive stance against the mayor's budget framework, often over concerns about social equity or spending priorities.
Expansion of Toronto Community Crisis Service (non-police response program)
Placed him in a small minority on a key community safety initiative, suggesting a divergence from progressive consensus on alternative policing approaches.
Yonge-Dundas Square Renaming Initiative
Dissent on a cultural and procedural motion that passed narrowly, indicating occasional breaks with the majority on symbolic or administrative issues.
Reimagining Weston Lions Arena through a Nominal Lease with MLSE LaunchPad
Dissented on a community facility agreement, possibly over terms, local control, or priorities in community asset management.
Protecting Playgrounds and Parks: Ensuring Safety for Children and Families
Voted against a motion on park safety, reflecting progressive skepticism about its approach, potential overreach, or symbolic nature.
Following Up on Plans to Advance the Extension of the Finch West Light Rail Transit
Opposed prioritization of a transit expansion project, aligning with occasional dissents on implementation details or funding allocations.
FIFA Traffic Management
Dissented on traffic management plan for FIFA events, likely due to impacts on residents, procedural concerns, or equity considerations.
Seeking Clarity on the City of Toronto's Application to the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund
Voted against a funding clarification motion, indicating different priorities or skepticism regarding community investment strategies.
Securing More Good Jobs in Toronto: Support for Hosting the Defence, Security and Resilience Bank Headquarters
Opposed support for a defence-related bank headquarters, consistent with progressive views on military involvement and economic development priorities.
Showing Respect for Transit Customers: Implementing a Toronto Transit Commission Money-Back Guarantee
Dissented on a transit customer service initiative, possibly over fiscal feasibility, operational concerns, or alternative approaches to transit improvement.
Call to Order
Voted in favor of a procedural motion that failed, indicating occasional divergence on administrative matters, as seen on 2025-11-13.