Michael Thompson
A centrist councillor who typically aligns with the majority on core housing initiatives and fiscal measures, but exhibits consistent dissent on transit infrastructure, environmental policies, and symbolic or costly changes. His support for housing and budgets is pragmatic but not unwavering, often opposing specific amendments or detailed plans.
Consistently supports major housing legislation, plans, and affordable housing initiatives (e.g., Housing Action Plans, Rental Demolition By-law amendments), but frequently opposes specific amendments, developments, or detailed policies (e.g., modular housing, certain zoning approvals). Recent votes confirm support for housing action plans and zoning approvals, while opposing specific studies like the EHON Neighbourhood Retail and Services Study.
Exhibits mixed support; has dissented on key transit projects like RapidTO and Transform Yonge, indicating selective or cautious approval of transit investments. Recent votes show support for some transit efficiency motions (e.g., speeding up LRTs) and GO Expansion updates, but opposition to major projects like Transform Yonge aligns with past dissent.
Typically supports city budgets and tax measures (e.g., 2023 and 2024 budgets, Vacant Home Tax), with a notable exception in opposing the 2025 Budget, suggesting overall fiscal alignment but willingness to break on specific financial plans. Recent votes show support for most budgetary items but opposition to some cost-related measures.
Notable Votes & Deviations
Yonge-Dundas Square renaming
Highlights a stance against symbolic or costly changes to public spaces, diverging from majority on cultural or identity-related issues.
Transform Yonge project
Indicates opposition to major urban development or transit projects, possibly due to local concerns, fiscal prudence, or urban planning differences.
2025 Budget and Property Tax measures
A significant break from fiscal alignment, showing dissent on core city financial planning and tax policies, potentially reflecting broader economic disagreements.
A Clean Energy Future for Toronto
Reflects skepticism or opposition to environmental initiatives, suggesting a pragmatic or conservative approach to climate policy.
Gardiner East Project motion
Early indication of dissent on major infrastructure projects, aligning with minority views on transportation or development priorities.
2025 Winter Maintenance Program Review Update
Dissent on operational or budgetary aspects of city services, indicating scrutiny over specific program details.
FIFA Traffic Management
Opposition to traffic management measures for major events, likely due to local impact concerns or cost-benefit analysis.
Review of the Order Paper
Support for procedural changes that did not gain majority approval, showing alignment with minority on council operations.
Showing Respect for Transit Customers: Implementing a Toronto Transit Commission Money-Back Guarantee
Backing a transit customer service proposal that failed to pass, reflecting split opinions on TTC operational policies.
Community Within Reach: Expanding Housing Options in Neighbourhoods (EHON) Neighbourhood Retail and Services Study - Phase Three Final Report
Opposition to a specific housing policy study, aligning with minority against detailed housing amendments, consistent with trend of opposing granular housing measures.
Towards Implementing a Maximum Indoor Temperature Requirement for Rental Units and Cooling Rooms
Voted against a tenant protection measure that failed, showing alignment with minority on housing regulation details.
Strengthening the City's Heat Relief Strategy
Dissent on an environmental and public health initiative, reflecting skepticism toward climate adaptation spending.
Making life more affordable for families by asking luxury-home buyers to chip in more
Opposition to a tax measure targeting high-value homes, indicating a break from progressive fiscal policies.
199 College Street Community Benefits Charge, College Streetscape
Voted against a community benefits charge, aligning with extreme minority, likely due to fiscal or development concerns.
Permanent Closure of a Portion of the Public Laneway at 66-66Y Third Street
Opposition to a laneway closure, showing minority stance on local infrastructure changes.