James Pasternak
Councillor Pasternak maintains a fiscally conservative orientation, generally aligning with the mayor and council majority on core budgetary, housing, and infrastructure matters. He exhibits strong support for housing development and conventional transit projects but consistently dissents on progressive social, environmental, and specific transit policies. Recent votes indicate a nuanced, cautious support for some climate action items, though skepticism toward aggressive measures and expanded bureaucracy remains.
Consistently supports major housing initiatives, development approvals, and zoning reforms to increase supply. However, opposes specific regulatory or oversight measures, such as the Housing Commissioner role and amendments to housing plans like the EHON Neighbourhood Retail study, indicating a pro-development yet cautious stance on expanded bureaucracy and planning interventions.
Generally aligns with transit funding and core projects but dissents on certain progressive transit policies, such as RapidTO expansions. Supports conventional initiatives like speeding up streetcars and LRT extensions, reflecting a preference for efficiency-focused approaches over systemic or equity-focused reforms.
Fiscally conservative, supporting core budgets, property tax measures, and initiatives like the Vacant Home Tax. Occasionally dissents on specific revenue tools or spending items, such as luxury-home buyer taxes, highlighting a focus on fiscal restraint and skepticism of new taxes.
Notable Votes & Deviations
Creation of a Housing Commissioner at the Ombudsman's office
Demonstrates opposition to enhanced oversight in housing, aligning with a limited-government approach and skepticism towards new bureaucratic roles.
'Fine Equity' motion on TTC fare evasion penalties
Shows dissent on social equity measures in transit enforcement, reflecting a stance against perceived leniency or progressive penalty reforms.
TransformTO 2022 Annual Report climate plan
Indicates skepticism towards aggressive climate action policies, highlighting a divergence from environmental progressivism.
Extending voting rights to 16–17-year-olds in municipal elections
Opposes democratic expansion, reflecting conservative views on voting age and electoral participation.
2025 Operating and Capital Budget
A rare dissent on the main budget, underscoring specific fiscal disagreements or concerns with overall spending priorities.
Response to City Council Direction on EX.25.4 RapidTO: Transit Priority on Dufferin Street and Bathurst Street
Consistent dissent on RapidTO expansions, reflecting a preference for conventional transit approaches over dedicated lane projects perceived as disruptive.
Community Within Reach: Expanding Housing Options in Neighbourhoods (EHON) Neighbourhood Retail and Services Study - Phase Three Final Report
Opposes amendments to housing policy that expand planning interventions, aligning with a pro-development but anti-bureaucratic stance.
Application for Approval to Expropriate a Portion of 20 Humberview Crescent and 50 St. Phillips Road - Stage 1
Reflects a cautious approach to government expropriation, prioritizing property rights and limited intervention.
Towards Implementing a Maximum Indoor Temperature Requirement for Rental Units and Cooling Rooms
Dissent on a tenant protection and climate adaptation measure, highlighting a reluctance to impose new regulatory burdens on landlords.
Strengthening the City's Heat Relief Strategy
Opposes expanded municipal heat response measures, consistent with a fiscally restrained and limited-government perspective.
199 College Street Community Benefits Charge, College Streetscape
Dissents on a community benefits charge for streetscape improvements, reflecting a focus on development feasibility over additional public realm levies.
2 Tippett Road - Ontario Land Tribunal Hearing - Request for Directions
Dissent on a procedural direction for a tribunal hearing, suggesting a cautious or skeptical approach to planning-related legal interventions.
Making life more affordable for families by asking luxury-home buyers to chip in more
Opposes a new tax on luxury home purchases, consistent with a fiscally conservative stance skeptical of new revenue tools.
TransformTO Net Zero Strategy: Action Plan (2026-2030)
Demonstrates continued skepticism toward specific aggressive climate action measures, even while supporting other components of the overall plan.
Permanent Closure of a Portion of the Public Laneway at 66-66Y Third Street
Dissents on the permanent closure of a public laneway, aligning with a principle of maintaining public rights-of-way and limited interference with existing infrastructure.
Showing Respect for Transit Customers: Implementing a Toronto Transit Commission Money-Back Guarantee
Opposes a progressive customer service policy for transit, reflecting a focus on fiscal prudence and skepticism of non-core service guarantees.