Stephen Holyday
Councillor Stephen Holyday consistently demonstrates a fiscally conservative and policy-cautious approach, frequently dissenting from council majorities on progressive housing, transit, and social welfare initiatives. His voting record shows alignment with procedural matters, law-and-order policies, and infrastructure upkeep, underscoring a commitment to limited government spending and traditional governance.
Consistently opposes broad housing expansion policies, affordable housing programs, and tenant protections. Trends include voting against major initiatives like the Housing Action Plan, multiplex studies, 'Missing Middle' policies, and supportive housing, though occasionally supports specific development approvals.
Frequently votes against transit-related changes and expansions, including bike lane safety motions, RapidTO programs, and measures to speed up transit, reflecting a tendency to prioritize existing infrastructure or oppose perceived disruptions.
Regularly dissents on budgetary matters, opposing new revenue tools, tax increases (e.g., Vacant Home Tax, education property tax levies), and major budget implementations, indicating a fiscally conservative stance focused on limiting city spending and taxation.
Notable Votes & Deviations
Generational Transformation of Toronto's Housing System
Highlighted his solitary opposition to a comprehensive housing policy overhaul, underscoring his consistent dissent on progressive housing strategies.
Modular Housing Initiative Phase 2
Demonstrated his isolated stance against an affordable housing solution, even when the motion failed, emphasizing his resistance to social housing expansions.
Representation at Toronto Local Appeal Body hearing for 228 Guildwood Parkway
Showed his independent, dissenting position on a local planning matter, contrasting with near-unanimous council support.
Air Conditioner Pilot Program for seniors
Illustrated his opposition to social welfare programs aimed at vulnerable populations, despite broad council approval.
Indigenous women's shelter motion
Reflected his dissent on a socially progressive initiative, highlighting a pattern of voting against measures supporting marginalized communities.
Housing Action Plan: Avenues Policy Review Phase Two: Initial Study of Wards 9 and 11
Demonstrates his consistent dissent on progressive housing policy expansions, even in targeted studies.
Speeding Up Light Rail Transit and Streetcars
Highlights his opposition to transit efficiency measures, aligning with his cautious approach to infrastructure changes and expansions.
Towards Implementing a Maximum Indoor Temperature Requirement for Rental Units and Cooling Rooms
Shows his resistance to tenant protections and social welfare initiatives, even when widely supported by council.
Bill 60, Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, 2025, and Renter Protections - Legal Advice
Reflects his dissent on provincial legislation impacts and renter protections, consistent with his policy-cautious stance on legal and housing matters.
Results of Collective Bargaining Negotiations between the City of Toronto and Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 2998
Underscores his fiscally conservative stance by opposing labor agreements that could increase city expenditures.
Impacts of Provincial Legislation that Weakens Rental Protections
Consistent with his pattern of dissenting on measures aimed at protecting tenants and addressing housing issues.
1138 Islington Avenue - Zoning By-law Amendment Application - Decision Report - Approval
Demonstrates his opposition to individual housing development approvals, reinforcing his cautious approach to urban growth.
Community Within Reach: Expanding Housing Options in Neighbourhoods (EHON) Neighbourhood Retail and Services Study - Phase Three Final Report
An instance where he supported a housing initiative, but was in the minority as the motion failed, highlighting the council's division on housing policies.
Making life more affordable for families by asking luxury-home buyers to chip in more
A deviation from his typical fiscal conservatism, voting for a tax increase on luxury homes, though the motion did not pass.