– FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –
It’s official: Chiara Padovani running in Ward 5 York South-Weston
Toronto, May 2, 2022 — Community organizer Chiara Padovani headed to City Hall early this morning to file her nomination papers, the first Ward 5 candidate for City Council to do so. Padovani (33), a tenant organizer and social worker, has taken a leave of absence from her job with the North York Harvest Food Bank. “I’ve been out knocking on doors, and the response has been overwhelming. People want change, they’re tired of the status quo and want someone to go to bat for them at City Hall, regardless of who wins this provincial election,” says Padovani.
She notes: “Soaring rents and evictions are making life miserable for thousands of renters in York South - Weston. Creating non-market rental housing that average and low-income Torontonians can afford will strengthen our community and create good jobs; if it’s energy-efficient, it will also lower Toronto’s carbon footprint. Plus, everyday people will be able to spend more in the local economy, which is good for our local businesses,” she adds.
She notes, “Residents are fed up with years of flooding, crowded buses, poorly maintained streets, and the general neglect of our community. We need to green our city, not pave over green spaces; that just creates hot spots, intensifies flooding, worsens the climate emergency, and makes life harder in our neighbourhoods.”
“As a social worker, I know how stressful economic instability and the COVID crisis has been for York South-Weston. We need to strengthen Toronto’s economy, public transit and city services for seniors and families, so that everyone can thrive,” she comments.
Padovani grew up in Mount Dennis and earned her Master’s in Social Work at York University. Her siblings, father and grandfather worked in the construction trades, and her grandmother had a small business on Keele Street. “I grew up here, my husband and I live here, and I’ve worked in the community for most of my adult life. I know what kind of a city my neighbours in York South-Weston want for themselves, their families and each other. It’s time to build a fair, sustainable and affordable city for all of us.”
For further information, please contact:
Chiara Padovani at 647-371-0677 or [email protected]
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