A winning city but, it's no time for a victory lap

TORONTO, Oct 5 /CNW/ - On October 25, Toronto's new mayor will inherit a strong city on the brink of becoming a leading international urban centre.  But Toronto's Vital Signs^® 2010, released today by the Toronto Community Foundation, also reveals a city that is facing threats to its prosperity, liveability and legacy. 

One of 21 leading international cities selected by PricewaterhouseCoopers, Toronto ranks among the best in terms of economic power and cost of doing business. The city also holds the coveted number one spot for liveability.

Toronto's productivity and prosperity, with a GDP increasing steadily from $86 billion in 1987 to $121 billion in 2009, are bolstered by the city's diversity.  Residents, representing more than 200 distinct ethnic origins call Toronto "home".  The city is overflowing with highly educated talent and strong international connections.

So - why the need for concern?

In "Advice to the new Mayor of Toronto," an open letter to the city's prospective new leader, Toronto Community Foundation Chair, Martin Connell, and President & CEO, Rahul K. Bhardwaj, highlight some of the most pressing challenges.

Housing - In 2009, Toronto's housing market crossed the threshold from seriously unaffordable to severely unaffordable, ranking 215^th least affordable out of 272 markets surveyed in key industrialized countries.

Disappearing Middle Class - In 1970, 66% of neighbourhoods were middle income. Today, only 29% can make this claim. Over one million Torontonians now live in the most challenged areas of the city.

Childhood Obesity - One in three children are overweight or obese, and more than half of Torontonians live in "food deserts" - areas with no grocery store within a one kilometre radius, leaving convenience stores and fast food outlets as the only accessible options for those without a car or proximity to public transportation.

Clogged Traffic Corridors - Congestion in the Toronto Region is costing the Canadian economy over $5 billon per year and the TTC needs to find the resources to accommodate 175 million projected new riders by 2021.

The letter also outlines important priorities for the city's continued growth and prosperity. These include:  increased investment in infrastructure, particularly public transit - more important now than ever as the current system is not up to the challenge; a new attitude in attracting and retaining global talent and business; an affordable housing plan to ensure young families can get a start in Toronto.

"To achieve these important goals and ensure the quality of life in the city for years to come requires a shift in attitudes," said Bhardwaj. "Included in this, the times require a global thinking and global acting mayor who can build bridges to connect us with the expanding global village."

He added, "Our future prosperity depends on collaborative leadership, to mobilize partners from all sectors of society to continue building the city and the region. We need leadership that is firmly looking to the future."

Toronto's Vital Signs provides an integrated snapshot of the trends in our city, highlighting progress we should be proud of and challenges that need to be addressed for Toronto's quality of life. The Report is compiled from current statistics and special studies which look at eleven different, yet interconnected, issue areas that are critical to the well-being of our city and its residents. The Report aims to: inspire civic engagement, provide focus for public debate, and guide donors and stakeholders who want to direct their resources to areas of greatest need. Since Toronto's first Vital Signs publication in 2001, the Report has been adopted by 16 communities across Canada.

About the Toronto Community Foundation
Community vitality has been our purpose, promise, and passion since 1981, when we started connecting donors to community needs and opportunities. Home to hundreds of endowment funds, we help people invest their charitable giving in Toronto, making it the best place to live, work, learn and grow. We monitor the quality of life in our city, identifying its strengths and weaknesses through our Toronto's Vital Signs^® Report. We provide the leadership and guidance to bring people together from all parts of our community. We exist for Toronto - for now and for always.

For further information:

Media contacts:Simone Dalton, Media Relations & Communications Officer, [email protected], 416-921-2035 ext. 218 or 416-831-7466.