Jon Burnside
Councillor Jon Burnside typically aligns with the majority and mayoral bloc, reflecting centrist or establishment positions. His voting record demonstrates fiscal conservative principles, including support for police and public safety, pro-market housing development, and core budgets. He consistently dissents on progressive social policies, transit equity measures, and initiatives that expand government bureaucracy or spending.
Typically supports housing development and streamlining initiatives, such as the Housing Action Plan and zoning modernizations, but shows skepticism towards affordable housing expansions, social infrastructure, and government-led affordable measures, often voting against multiplex studies, rental incentives, and specific affordable housing components.
Leans towards car-centric or status quo transit policies, with dissenting votes on bike lane safety, RapidTO plans, Gardiner Expressway studies, and alternative transit proposals like 'Trains Not Tunnels.' Supports some transit items but opposes expansions that prioritize cycling or public transit equity.
Generally supports core municipal budgets and tax measures, aligning with fiscal conservatism, but dissents on budget expansions, specific tax relief for low-income groups, and progressive spending amendments. Notable opposition to the 2025 budget highlights a stance against increased expenditures.
Notable Votes & Deviations
Response to City Council Direction on EX.25.4 RapidTO: Transit Priority on Dufferin Street and Bathurst Street
Consistent with his trend of opposing transit priority measures that may impact car traffic, despite majority support.
Auditor General's Office 2026 Work Plan and Budget Highlights
Reflects fiscal conservative skepticism towards expanding audit oversight and associated costs.
Community Within Reach: Expanding Housing Options in Neighbourhoods (EHON) Neighbourhood Retail and Services Study - Phase Three Final Report
Demonstrates a dissenting stance on a key housing policy study, aligning with skepticism towards government-led planning expansions.
Driving Efficiencies at Toronto Parking Authority to Reduce 2026 Budget Pressures - by Mayor Olivia Chow
Supported a mayoral motion to find efficiencies, but it failed, showing a rare alignment with the mayor on a cost-saving measure that lacked majority support.
Driving Efficiencies at Toronto Parking Authority to Reduce 2026 Budget Pressures - by Mayor Olivia Chow
Continued support for a failing mayoral efficiency motion, highlighting a pro-efficiency stance against the majority.
Seeking Clarity on the City of Toronto's Application to the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund
Opposed seeking clarity on a funding application, possibly reflecting a stance against additional bureaucratic steps or scrutiny.
Towards Implementing a Maximum Indoor Temperature Requirement for Rental Units and Cooling Rooms
Voted against a tenant protection and heat relief measure, consistent with a limited-government, market-oriented approach to housing regulations.
Towards Implementing a Maximum Indoor Temperature Requirement for Rental Units and Cooling Rooms
Repeated opposition to progressive housing regulations, emphasizing a consistent dissent on tenant-focused policy.
Advancing the West Scarborough Rail Trail - Connecting Scarborough, Enhancing Mobility Options
Sole dissenter against a rail trail project, highlighting strong opposition to active transportation and transit equity initiatives.
Call to Order (2025-11-12)
Dissented on a procedural motion, indicating occasional opposition to council processes.
Reimagining Weston Lions Arena through a Nominal Lease with MLSE LaunchPad (2025-11-12)
Opposed a community lease agreement, possibly reflecting skepticism towards public-private partnerships or specific terms.
Call to Order (2025-11-13)
Another dissent on a procedural motion, showing consistent pattern on certain council operations.
Protecting Playgrounds and Parks: Ensuring Safety for Children and Families (2025-11-13)
Supported a motion he co-seconded, but it failed, highlighting a split on public safety measures.
Making life more affordable for families by asking luxury-home buyers to chip in more (2025-12-17)
Supported a progressive tax measure but it failed, reflecting a mixed stance on fiscal policies.
Making life more affordable for families by asking luxury-home buyers to chip in more (2025-12-17)
Opposed a component of the luxury tax measure that passed, indicating nuanced position on housing affordability tools.
Showing Respect for Transit Customers: Implementing a Toronto Transit Commission Money-Back Guarantee (2025-12-17)
Supported a transit customer service initiative but it narrowly failed, showing alignment with pro-consumer policies that lack majority support.