By Sean Delaney
The Ward 7 incumbent said being present in neighbourhoods remains central to the way he represents Humber River–Black Creek. As he seeks another term, Perruzza is asking residents to weigh both the projects underway and the community interests he says still need a strong voice at City Hall.
High on that list is completing the Western North York Community Centre, now under construction. Perruzza also points to park improvements and the new Soccer for All Legacy mini-pitch at Apted Park, a FIFA World Cup legacy investment that will include free programming and community access.
Development is another file where he emphasizes local oversight. At 3100 Weston Road, Perruzza said he is working to protect a walkway and access to the nearby ravine as redevelopment is considered. Growth cannot simply be accepted without conditions, he argued; residents’ access, public space and neighbourhood interests must remain part of the decision.
His council record shows both participation and independence. WardWatch, using the City Clerk’s recorded-vote data, reports that Perruzza has cast 1,655 recorded votes this term, with participation in excess of 90 per cent. It also calculates that he voted on the same side as Mayor Olivia Chow on 84.5 per cent of substantive votes—broad agreement on many matters, while retaining the willingness to take a different position when he believes Ward 7 requires it.
The clearest difference Perruzza identified is fiscal policy. He opposes relying on steep property-tax increases to fund expanding City services, arguing that the approach places added pressure on households without solving Toronto’s structural financial problems. He wants a new funding arrangement with the Province and says more of the money Toronto residents already contribute should remain available for municipal priorities.
For seniors, Perruzza highlighted the City’s property-tax relief programs and the clinics his office holds to help eligible residents apply. On food affordability, he is advancing a more unconventional proposal: municipally operated, not-for-profit grocery stores intended to create lower prices and more stability in underserved neighbourhoods.
Council adopted an amended version of his motion in March, establishing a proposed four-store pilot—one in each community-council district—while directing further work on implementation and alternative delivery models. Perruzza said he intends to keep pushing the project as staff reports return to council.
Perruzza also describes bridge-building as one of his most important contributions. He recalled divisions among communities when he first joined council and said his approach was to bring residents together around parks, safer streets and neighbourhood improvement rather than organize people through their differences. That work, he believes, helped communities that once felt guarded or excluded participate more confidently in civic life.
His immediate campaign goal is simple: return to the doors, reconnect with residents and hear what they want addressed next.
Toronto’s municipal election takes place Monday, October 26. Perruzza is one of three candidates currently listed by the City Clerk for Ward 7, Humber River–Black Creek.
Candidate information
Email: info@voteanthonyperruzza.com
Telephone: 647-451-0477
Website: voteanthonyperruzza.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/perruzza_to
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AnthonyPerruzza