Toronto deputy mayor Holyday takes heat for downtown families comment

Deputy Mayor Doug Holyday is taking some heat after voicing his opinion about raising families in the downtown core, deepening the left-right rift in council.

On Thursday, during the second day of a three-day council meeting, the Etobicoke councillor made a remark about the downtown core not being a suitable place for children during debate about a zoning amendment for a proposed King Street West condominium development near John Street.

“I certainly think it’s not the ideal place that people might want to raise their families,” he said amid boos. “But, on the other hand, if they do, I’m willing to leave the choice up to them.”

Coun. Adam Vaughan called for the condo builder to ensure 10 per cent of the units at the 323-333 King St. W. development be three-bedroom apartments, suitable for families. Vaughan also called on the developer to provide 10 affordable housing units.

Holyday made his downtown family comments while voicing opposition to the proposal. He said he wouldn’t choose to raise his children on the “47th floor of a condominium building on the corner of King and John,” and made reference to kids playing in bumper-to-bumper traffic on their way to the park.

Vaughan’s proposal was adopted by council.

“Sometimes I wonder what planet he’s in, let alone what decade,” Vaughan said of Holyday.

“The downtown is full of families raising kids. I’m doing it … it’s not very different from Etobicoke.”

Fellow mid-and downtown councillors have spoken out against Holyday’s comments, including Josh Matlow and Mike Layton.

Council continued its final meeting Friday before it breaks for the summer. It won’t meet again until Oct. 2.

Watch a live stream of Friday’s meeting.