In this episode of Challenger City TO, host Iain sits down with Chris Spoke, a partner at Toronto Standard and a vocal advocate for smarter urban development. Chris shares his journey from the world of software to real estate, diving deep into the challenges and opportunities facing Toronto's housing market. The discussion covers a range of critical topics, including the impact of restrictive zoning laws, the need for bold leadership in city planning, and the importance of simplifying Toronto’s official plan and zoning bylaw to foster more inclusive growth.

Chris also offers his vision for the future of Toronto, touching on how the city can learn from global examples, particularly in how regulations impact housing accessibility and design. From the concept of Toronto as a "Potemkin city" to the challenges of building viable infill projects, this episode is packed with insights for anyone interested in the future of urban living.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Chris Spoke's unconventional path into real estate development.
• The paradox of Toronto’s development: dense downtown, stagnant neighborhoods.
• The need to simplify Toronto’s official plan and zoning bylaw.
• The impact of North American vs. European building regulations on housing.
• Why bold, early-term leadership is essential for meaningful change.
• Recent policy changes in Toronto and their potential impact on housing.
• Chris’s vision for a more inclusive, accessible, and vibrant Toronto.

Top Quotes:

• "Toronto is like a seven-foot basketball player who can't dunk. It's got all the potential in the world and just needs to learn how to dunk."
• "We've halted natural growth through zoning. We skipped all the steps of development in between."
• "Our elevators are generally much larger, but what happens in practice is we just have fewer elevators, more walk-up apartments, which is bad for accessibility."

In this episode of Challenger City TO, we sit down with Antoine, a seasoned transit professional with global experience, to dive deep into the complexities of Toronto's transit system. Antoine shares his unique insights into the city's current challenges and opportunities, drawing on examples from his work across Europe and North America.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Toronto's Identity Crisis: Antoine discusses why Toronto needs to embrace its unique character rather than constantly comparing itself to other global cities.
• Governance and Accountability: The conversation explores the fragmented nature of Toronto's transit governance and the urgent need for a unified leader or entity to take charge of transportation outcomes.
• The Role of Cars and the Future of Transit: Antoine explains why cars will continue to play a role in Toronto but stresses the importance of planning for a future where transit, cycling, and walking are prioritized.
• Optimizing Streetcars: Antoine suggests "LRT-izing" Toronto's streetcars, drawing inspiration from European cities like Prague, where streetcars are seamlessly integrated into both new and historic urban areas.
• Importance of User Experience: The episode delves into the need for transit systems to respect and attract passengers, highlighting improvements in bus services and the potential of cycling infrastructure.
• Progress in Infrastructure: Antoine points out successes like the Finch and Hazel McCallion Lines, as well as new GO train infrastructure, showing that Toronto can learn from past challenges like the Eglinton Line.

Memorable Quotes:

• "Toronto is just Toronto. It’s not New York or Switzerland—it’s unique, and that’s why we need to love it."
• "Everybody's in charge of something, but nobody's in charge of the whole."
• "A streetcar is a subway that stops for cars."
• "The bus is magical; we need to make it clean, efficient, and a respected part of the transit system."

Final Thoughts: Antoine leaves us with a call for Toronto to stop looking outward and start focusing on its own potential. With the right leadership and a commitment to long-term planning, Toronto can transform its transit system into one that is reliable, user-friendly, and fully integrated.

In this insightful episode of "Challenger City TO," Iain Montgomery sits down with Hilton Barber, a seasoned marketer and thought leader, to explore the transformative power of culture in shaping Toronto’s future. Hilton discusses the critical role that bold, courageous decisions play in driving cultural change, emphasising the need for Toronto to shift from a mindset of playing it safe to one of striving for greatness. He shares his thoughts on what it means to have a winning strategy, how culture impacts execution, and why defining Toronto’s unique version of “gold” is essential for the city's success.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The importance of culture in organisational and urban success
• Hilton’s career journey and insights on cultural impact
• Why curiosity alone isn’t enough—execution is key
• The need for safety and bravery in decision-making
• Examples of strong corporate culture, including Izzy Sharpe and Four Seasons
• Toronto’s current cultural landscape and the call for greater ambition
• The concept of playing to win versus playing to not lose
• The role of leadership in setting and executing grand ambitions
• Personal responsibility and collective effort in driving Toronto’s transformation
• The importance of storytelling in creating a shared vision for the city

Quotes to Remember:

• "Strategy is one thing. Execution is the game."
• "What is the size of our ambition? If we have a grand ambition, do we have the courage, the fortitude, the comfort with failing along that journey?"
• "If we don’t create a compelling story that brings people along, that engages them and says, 'Imagine this better future for Toronto,' we’re dead in the water."

Actionable Takeaways:

• Toronto must define its unique version of success and aim for it with boldness.
• Leaders need to create a culture that supports ambitious, transformative decisions.
• Personal and collective responsibility is crucial for Toronto’s progress.