If we aspire to achieve a truly liveable city, broad vision is essential. Potholed streets are a problem, for sure, but our state-of-the-streets debate should also extend to rapid transit, cycle paths, and pedestrian-friendly neighbourhoods. The reduction of crime requires not only a debate about “how many cops do we need on the beat” but thoughtful policies on urban planning, poverty-reduction, homelessness, racism, and unemployment. The promise to freeze or lower taxes is likely achievable but only by sacrificing our schools, parks and community clubs, cultural institutions and public art. 

 

Achieving a decent society will require that we pay attention to such fundamental values as sustainability, inclusivity, fairness, equity, and social justice.

 

Values for a Liveable City brings together politicians, policy makers, city builders, and community leaders - who have thought carefully about community priorities. They will share their ideas with us and we can share our ideas with them at this Public Forum. We need serious public discussion of the problems facing our community and the priorities that should guide council as they grapple with the task of shaping our collective future.

​

-Arthur Schafer, Panel Moderator and Founding Director of the Centre for Professional and Applied Ethics