Paul Ainslie
Councillor Paul Ainslie's voting pattern demonstrates general alignment with the majority on overarching policies, particularly in housing and city initiatives, while frequently dissenting on specific fiscal matters, budget details, and local development issues. His record indicates a pragmatic, fiscally cautious approach with independent stances on selective items, evidenced by consistent opposition to budget increases and skepticism on certain transit and infrastructure expenditures. Recent voting aligns with this pattern, showing support for broad housing strategies but opposition to tax hikes and select infrastructure spending.
Generally supportive of broad housing strategies and affordable housing measures, but often opposes specific amendments related to density increases, such as multiplex studies and certain development approvals, indicating a preference for cautious implementation and localized concerns.
Shows reluctance towards large transit expenditures and prioritization decisions, voting against accelerated projects like the Gardiner Expressway rehab and higher-order transit prioritization, reflecting a fiscally conservative and skeptical view on infrastructure spending.
Consistently opposes budget increases and new taxes, as seen in votes against the 2025 budget and luxury-home buyer tax, while supporting tax relief programs, underscoring a fiscally conservative stance focused on controlling expenditures.
Notable Votes & Deviations
2025 Operating and Capital Budget
Demonstrates his firm opposition to major fiscal expansions, highlighting a core fiscal conservative principle of resisting budget increases.
Yonge-Dundas Square Renaming Initiative
Shows an independent stance on cultural or symbolic issues, diverging from the majority on a high-profile matter.
Gardiner Expressway Contract Acceleration
Indicates skepticism towards accelerated infrastructure spending, likely due to cost concerns or prioritization disagreements.
Auditor General's Office 2026 Work Plan and Budget Highlights
Highlights fiscal caution by opposing budget increases for oversight functions, consistent with his trend of resisting expanded expenditures.
Community Within Reach: Expanding Housing Options in Neighbourhoods (EHON) Neighbourhood Retail and Services Study - Phase Three Final Report
Shows support for housing density studies, but the motion failed, placing him in the minority on this specific aspect of housing policy.
Protecting Playgrounds and Parks: Ensuring Safety for Children and Families
Indicates an independent stance on local safety measures, possibly due to cost, implementation concerns, or alignment with fiscal prudence.
FIFA Traffic Management
Reflects skepticism towards event-related expenditures or traffic management plans, underscoring a cautious approach to city initiatives.
Call to Order (2025-11-12)
Demonstrates a dissenting vote on procedural matters, reflecting independent judgment.
Call to Order (2025-11-13)
Shows a minority position on a procedural vote, indicating occasional divergence from the majority.
Securing More Good Jobs in Toronto: Support for Hosting the Defence, Security and Resilience Bank Headquarters
Highlights opposition to certain economic initiatives, possibly due to fiscal concerns or other reservations.