Jamaal Myers
Jamaal Myers is a mainstream councillor who consistently aligns with the mayor and majority on most core issues, particularly in housing supply and transit expansion. His political alignment is best described as a Pragmatic Centrist. He exhibits Progressive leanings on social and incremental housing policy, but strong Fiscally Moderate/Conservative tendencies, leading him to frequently dissent on specific budget, tax, and large-scale transformation measures. He is a reliable vote for the governing coalition on procedural and planning matters, but an independent scrutineer on fiscal implementation and the scale of policy overhauls.
Generally supportive of housing supply expansion, including affordable housing initiatives, multiplex permissions, and the Housing Action Plan. However, he has opposed major transformative packages like 'Generational Transformation' and specific land-use studies (EHON), indicating a clear preference for incremental, project-by-project reforms over sweeping systemic changes or expanded city powers.
A strong and consistent supporter of transit and active transportation initiatives, such as LRT improvements, cycling networks, and speeding up streetcars. He occasionally dissents on specific motions related to congestion management or internal administration, suggesting selective scrutiny based on cost, implementation details, or jurisdictional concerns.
Typically votes for final budget packages but very frequently dissents on detailed amendments, new spending, and tax implementations, showing a deep pattern of fiscal scrutiny and independence. He opposes specific tax changes like the luxury-home buyer tax, property tax levies, and efficiency measures he perceives as insufficient, reflecting a consistently cautious stance on fiscal matters.
Notable Votes & Deviations
Generational Transformation of Toronto's Housing System
Opposed a major housing reform package, placing him in a lone minority and indicating strong skepticism towards large-scale systemic changes in housing policy.
2023 Education Property Tax Levy
Dissented on a key tax measure, reflecting fiscal caution or disagreement with property tax policies, despite overall support for budget packages.
Highway 401 Overpass Safety Motion
Voted against a public safety infrastructure measure, likely due to cost concerns, prioritization issues, or jurisdictional alignment with minority views.
Redesigning the Vacant Home Tax Program
Opposed changes to a tax program aimed at housing affordability, showing divergence on tax policy details and potential impacts on housing markets.
2025 Operating and Capital Budget specific amendments
Consistently opposed several budget measures before supporting the final package, highlighting nuanced fiscal dissent and independent scrutiny of spending details.
Community Within Reach: Expanding Housing Options in Neighbourhoods (EHON) Neighbourhood Retail and Services Study - Phase Three Final Report
Opposed a key amendment to a major housing policy study, reinforcing his pattern of skepticism toward city-led planning overhauls in neighbourhoods.
Application for Approval to Expropriate a Portion of 20 Humberview Crescent and 50 St. Phillips Road - Stage 1
Voted against a city expropriation for infrastructure, aligning with a small minority, likely due to property rights concerns or cost-benefit scrutiny.
Driving Efficiencies at Toronto Parking Authority to Reduce 2026 Budget Pressures
Opposed a mayoral motion on TPA efficiencies, indicating either disagreement with the specific plan or a view that it did not go far enough to address budget pressures.
Towards Implementing a Maximum Indoor Temperature Requirement for Rental Units and Cooling Rooms
Voted against implementing a new rental unit temperature mandate, highlighting a cautious approach to new regulatory burdens on housing providers.
Strengthening the City's Heat Relief Strategy
Opposed a measure to enhance heat relief, a rare dissent on a social welfare issue, potentially due to cost or implementation concerns.
Making life more affordable for families by asking luxury-home buyers to chip in more
Consistently opposed the new luxury-home buyer tax, a clear demonstration of his fiscally moderate/cautious stance on new tax instruments.
199 College Street Community Benefits Charge, College Streetscape
Was the sole dissenter against a community benefits charge, underscoring an independent and highly scrutinizing approach to development-related fees.
Securing More Good Jobs in Toronto: Support for Hosting the Defence, Security and Resilience Bank Headquarters
Opposed a job creation initiative that passed, reflecting independent judgment on economic development priorities or specific concerns about the proposal.
Showing Respect for Transit Customers: Implementing a Toronto Transit Commission Money-Back Guarantee
Supported a transit customer service measure that failed by one vote, indicating a minority position on this specific service guarantee policy.