About Rethink Toronto
You know that feeling when you’re stuck on the DVP for the third time this week, or you check rental listings and feel your stomach drop, or you realize you haven’t had a real conversation with a neighbour in months?
You’re not imagining it. Something’s off. And you’re not alone in feeling it.
But here’s what I’ve come to believe: Toronto has everything it needs to be a great city. The people, the diversity, the ambition, the ideas. What’s missing isn’t talent or resources—it’s clarity about what’s not working, why, and what we can actually do about it.
That’s what Rethink Toronto is for. Ideas for a better city.
I’m Daniel. I work in transportation technology, I’ve written about congestion in the Toronto Star, I’ve been interviewed on NewsTalk1010 about traffic and cycling infrastructure, and I serve on the board of a local residents association. But really, I’m just someone who lives here, pays attention, and believes we can do better.
Each week, I dig into the issues that shape your daily life—housing, traffic, transit, safety, community—and break down what’s actually happening and why. I share ideas that are working in other cities. I explain the policies and decisions that affect your neighbourhood. And I point to ways you can get involved, because understanding is only the first step.
I’m not here to complain. Toronto’s challenges are real, but so are the solutions. Smart people are working on them right now. My job is to translate those ideas into something useful for regular residents who care about this city and want it to work.
If you’re frustrated but haven’t given up—if you believe a thriving Toronto is possible—this newsletter is for you.
Subscribe and let’s rethink this city together.
What you’ll get:
1-2 times per week, I’ll send you something worth reading — and often, something worth doing.
What’s really going on in Toronto, explained in plain language
Ideas that could work — from local advocates, policy thinkers, and other cities
What you can do — events, organizations, and ways to get involved
My honest take — I’ll tell you what I think, but I’ll show my work
The approach:
I believe in first-principles thinking. Before jumping to solutions, understand why things are the way they are. I’ll share my opinions, but I’ll be honest when I’m not sure. When smart people disagree, I’ll explain why instead of pretending there’s an easy answer.
I’m optimistic about Toronto — not because I’m ignoring the problems, but because I can see how much good work is already happening and how much potential we’re leaving on the table.
We can do this. We just need more people who understand what’s going on and want to be part of making it better.
This newsletter is for you if:
You’re frustrated with Toronto but haven’t given up on it
You want to understand why things are the way they are
You’re looking for reasons to hope and ways to help
You believe the city could be so much better — and you want to be part of getting there
Toronto isn’t the city it could be. Yet.
Let’s change that — together.
