Inside the city....

Everyone talks politics. It could be the band that's playing down the street, your neighbour's dog or, perhaps even that car that cut you off on the way to work.

Opinions matter.

Were people upset by a former mayor's decision to deny an up and coming band a chance to play on a city stage based on their name?

Why can't I walk more than three dogs at once?

How can I drive with all these bikes in the way?

The things people gripe about in their day-to-day lives: Politics.

This discussion starts here. It will never end.

A recent UN report shows Toronto is one of the best cities to live in. The people we elect into office play an influential role in maintaining, increasing or decreasing that quality of life.

We strive to cover stories that delve deep into the process of municipal politics.

Inside City Writers

Kristofer Baker

I’ve always had an interest in some form politics and government for as long as I can remember.
My appreciation for the Canadian political system grows as I get older. Yes, Canada’s government is far from perfect and, at times, downright frustrating but the level of accountability and transparency our government has is a privilege overlooked by most Canadians.

But the level of citizen apathy among Canadians when it comes to politics can be just as frustrating as the government itself. I understand that politics is not for everyone, but I’m willing to bet our government would function a lot more effectively if more people were informed. We expect governments to be more accountable but many of us do nothing to actually get it.

I love Toronto. We have a taste of all four corners of the globe and everything in between. I feel this magazine is my way to give back to the people and communities that make Toronto and Canada an amazing place.

~Kris

Sean Sillers

 Raised in the Beach in east Toronto, Sean spent his childhood years enjoying the natural affinities of the neighbourhood. Hiding at the lake, or in many of the parks and ravines which have come to define the area, he rarely found time to return for dinner.
Following an unsuccessful academic stint at Malvern Collegiate, Sean chose to enter an eager workforce. At 15, he toiled earnestly as a pizza-maker at a Mothers pizza franchise for $2.65 per hour.  Following a 40-hour week, his $80 cheque, after deductions, provided the means for some weekends he no doubt has forgotten; and some he wishes he could.
However, Sean did eventually return to school, determined following a myriad of untoward experiences. In the spring of 1997 Sean graduated from the University of Toronto with a BA in economics; one of the few promises to himself he’d kept. Sean is currently working toward a Graduate Certificate in Journalism at Toronto’s Centennial College.

~Sean

Roger Tran

Many Torontonians have a cynical, hating relationship with the city (if you don’t believe, watch Let’s All Hate Toronto).  My curiosity and love for Toronto began when I was 13. I was a sleepy teenager on the subway, curiously glancing at the ads and I noticed something different.  A new subway line was added to the map, and this was the Sheppard subway.

But the amount of questions surrounding the subway is what got me into urban issues in Toronto. I’m happy to write stories related to Torontonians and in particular, municipal politics. It gave me the opportunity to see real Torontonians affected by real issues.

With every story I write,  I learn something new about this city and how Toronto works behind the scenes. Whether it’s the hot dog vendor freezing in the cold or the enthusiast envisioning a better Toronto, there’s no better feeling than getting the story out. And this magazine has allowed me to do so.

~Roger