davidforstpauls.bsky.social
@davidforstpauls.bsky.social
David Cottrell for St. Paul’s Councillor - Ward 12, Toronto.
I’m running to bring stronger representation, safer public spaces, and a more affordable city to St. Paul’s.
I’m running to bring stronger representation, safer public spaces, and a more affordable city to St. Paul’s.
Thank you to everyone who has reached out, especially the organizations and community groups that have taken the time to send questions.
I’m answering as much as I can personally.
Have a concern or question about Toronto or Ward 12? Send it my way.
votecottrell.ca
I’m answering as much as I can personally.
Have a concern or question about Toronto or Ward 12? Send it my way.
votecottrell.ca
September 16, 2026 at 8:36 PM
Thank you to everyone who has reached out, especially the organizations and community groups that have taken the time to send questions.
I’m answering as much as I can personally.
Have a concern or question about Toronto or Ward 12? Send it my way.
votecottrell.ca
I’m answering as much as I can personally.
Have a concern or question about Toronto or Ward 12? Send it my way.
votecottrell.ca
Philip D’Cruze and I had a longer discussion about Toronto, representation, leadership, and some of the challenges facing the city.
Worth a watch if you want to hear the longer-form conversation.
Full interview: youtu.be/Xvt-x3LiUew?...
Worth a watch if you want to hear the longer-form conversation.
Full interview: youtu.be/Xvt-x3LiUew?...
September 16, 2026 at 6:56 PM
Philip D’Cruze and I had a longer discussion about Toronto, representation, leadership, and some of the challenges facing the city.
Worth a watch if you want to hear the longer-form conversation.
Full interview: youtu.be/Xvt-x3LiUew?...
Worth a watch if you want to hear the longer-form conversation.
Full interview: youtu.be/Xvt-x3LiUew?...
I completed the Toronto Public Library’s Know Your Vote questionnaire.
My six priorities: housing, cost of living, real representation, safer public spaces, getting around, and equal protection.
These are the issues I believe City Hall needs to get right.
votecottrell.ca
My six priorities: housing, cost of living, real representation, safer public spaces, getting around, and equal protection.
These are the issues I believe City Hall needs to get right.
votecottrell.ca
September 15, 2026 at 10:39 PM
I completed the Toronto Public Library’s Know Your Vote questionnaire.
My six priorities: housing, cost of living, real representation, safer public spaces, getting around, and equal protection.
These are the issues I believe City Hall needs to get right.
votecottrell.ca
My six priorities: housing, cost of living, real representation, safer public spaces, getting around, and equal protection.
These are the issues I believe City Hall needs to get right.
votecottrell.ca
Toronto residents asking for basic representation:
“Do the job.”
Apparently this can become a surprisingly lengthy negotiation. 😂
Residents shouldn’t have to fight to be heard.
Real Representation. Real Responses.
votecottrell.ca
“Do the job.”
Apparently this can become a surprisingly lengthy negotiation. 😂
Residents shouldn’t have to fight to be heard.
Real Representation. Real Responses.
votecottrell.ca
September 15, 2026 at 12:01 PM
Toronto residents asking for basic representation:
“Do the job.”
Apparently this can become a surprisingly lengthy negotiation. 😂
Residents shouldn’t have to fight to be heard.
Real Representation. Real Responses.
votecottrell.ca
“Do the job.”
Apparently this can become a surprisingly lengthy negotiation. 😂
Residents shouldn’t have to fight to be heard.
Real Representation. Real Responses.
votecottrell.ca
St. Paul’s, Ward 12 show me what you’re seeing.
Potholes? Litter? Broken infrastructure? Unsafe intersections? Neglected public spaces?
Take a photo, tell me where, and tag @Davidforstpauls
I want to see the issues residents are dealing with every day.
Potholes? Litter? Broken infrastructure? Unsafe intersections? Neglected public spaces?
Take a photo, tell me where, and tag @Davidforstpauls
I want to see the issues residents are dealing with every day.
September 14, 2026 at 11:00 AM
St. Paul’s, Ward 12 show me what you’re seeing.
Potholes? Litter? Broken infrastructure? Unsafe intersections? Neglected public spaces?
Take a photo, tell me where, and tag @Davidforstpauls
I want to see the issues residents are dealing with every day.
Potholes? Litter? Broken infrastructure? Unsafe intersections? Neglected public spaces?
Take a photo, tell me where, and tag @Davidforstpauls
I want to see the issues residents are dealing with every day.
I completed the Off-Leash Dogs questionnaire.
My view: better dog parks, protected shared spaces, education first, and targeted enforcement where rules are repeatedly ignored.
Because “he’s friendly!” is not quite a municipal policy.
votecottrell.ca
My view: better dog parks, protected shared spaces, education first, and targeted enforcement where rules are repeatedly ignored.
Because “he’s friendly!” is not quite a municipal policy.
votecottrell.ca
September 13, 2026 at 4:45 PM
I completed the Off-Leash Dogs questionnaire.
My view: better dog parks, protected shared spaces, education first, and targeted enforcement where rules are repeatedly ignored.
Because “he’s friendly!” is not quite a municipal policy.
votecottrell.ca
My view: better dog parks, protected shared spaces, education first, and targeted enforcement where rules are repeatedly ignored.
Because “he’s friendly!” is not quite a municipal policy.
votecottrell.ca
Toronto’s basics should not feel ambitious.
Affordability. Safety. Representation.
I’m running in St. Paul’s, and I want to know which of these is failing you most right now.
What is the one thing you would fix first?
votecottrell.ca
Affordability. Safety. Representation.
I’m running in St. Paul’s, and I want to know which of these is failing you most right now.
What is the one thing you would fix first?
votecottrell.ca
September 13, 2026 at 1:30 PM
Toronto’s basics should not feel ambitious.
Affordability. Safety. Representation.
I’m running in St. Paul’s, and I want to know which of these is failing you most right now.
What is the one thing you would fix first?
votecottrell.ca
Affordability. Safety. Representation.
I’m running in St. Paul’s, and I want to know which of these is failing you most right now.
What is the one thing you would fix first?
votecottrell.ca
I’ve signed the A Better City Toronto Council Candidate Pledge.
I support putting economic development, mobility, safety, affordability, and accountability at the centre of how Toronto moves forward.
votecottrell.ca
I support putting economic development, mobility, safety, affordability, and accountability at the centre of how Toronto moves forward.
votecottrell.ca
September 12, 2026 at 7:44 PM
I’ve signed the A Better City Toronto Council Candidate Pledge.
I support putting economic development, mobility, safety, affordability, and accountability at the centre of how Toronto moves forward.
votecottrell.ca
I support putting economic development, mobility, safety, affordability, and accountability at the centre of how Toronto moves forward.
votecottrell.ca
My position is straightforward: residents should feel safe, dangerous coyotes should be dealt with quickly, and decisions should be based on clear evidence rather than arbitrary rules.
I also support better public reporting so residents can see what is actually happening.
votecottrell.ca
I also support better public reporting so residents can see what is actually happening.
votecottrell.ca
September 12, 2026 at 1:45 PM
My position is straightforward: residents should feel safe, dangerous coyotes should be dealt with quickly, and decisions should be based on clear evidence rather than arbitrary rules.
I also support better public reporting so residents can see what is actually happening.
votecottrell.ca
I also support better public reporting so residents can see what is actually happening.
votecottrell.ca
You should never have to plan your walk home around feeling safe.
A safer Toronto is not an unreasonable expectation. It is one of the most basic responsibilities of a city.
Leadership means listening, and making our streets and public spaces places people can trust again.
votecottrell.ca
A safer Toronto is not an unreasonable expectation. It is one of the most basic responsibilities of a city.
Leadership means listening, and making our streets and public spaces places people can trust again.
votecottrell.ca
September 11, 2026 at 9:30 PM
You should never have to plan your walk home around feeling safe.
A safer Toronto is not an unreasonable expectation. It is one of the most basic responsibilities of a city.
Leadership means listening, and making our streets and public spaces places people can trust again.
votecottrell.ca
A safer Toronto is not an unreasonable expectation. It is one of the most basic responsibilities of a city.
Leadership means listening, and making our streets and public spaces places people can trust again.
votecottrell.ca
Keep scrolling. Toronto will fix itself.
Or do something about it.
We’re looking for people who want hands-on political experience and a chance to work on a municipal campaign.
Canvassing, outreach, events, communications, research, and more.
Join the campaign.
votecottrell.ca
Or do something about it.
We’re looking for people who want hands-on political experience and a chance to work on a municipal campaign.
Canvassing, outreach, events, communications, research, and more.
Join the campaign.
votecottrell.ca
September 11, 2026 at 5:45 PM
Keep scrolling. Toronto will fix itself.
Or do something about it.
We’re looking for people who want hands-on political experience and a chance to work on a municipal campaign.
Canvassing, outreach, events, communications, research, and more.
Join the campaign.
votecottrell.ca
Or do something about it.
We’re looking for people who want hands-on political experience and a chance to work on a municipal campaign.
Canvassing, outreach, events, communications, research, and more.
Join the campaign.
votecottrell.ca
I recently completed the Allies for a Strong Canada candidate survey.
I support consistent bylaw enforcement, stronger protections for residential communities, clear rules for city-owned property, and keeping City Hall focused on municipal issues.
votecottrell.ca
I support consistent bylaw enforcement, stronger protections for residential communities, clear rules for city-owned property, and keeping City Hall focused on municipal issues.
votecottrell.ca
September 11, 2026 at 1:01 PM
I recently completed the Allies for a Strong Canada candidate survey.
I support consistent bylaw enforcement, stronger protections for residential communities, clear rules for city-owned property, and keeping City Hall focused on municipal issues.
votecottrell.ca
I support consistent bylaw enforcement, stronger protections for residential communities, clear rules for city-owned property, and keeping City Hall focused on municipal issues.
votecottrell.ca
Toronto tourism brochure, 2027:
CN Tower ✅
City Hall ✅
Overflowing garbage bin ✅
Maybe not.
A great city should look cared for.
Cleaner streets. Better public spaces. Better attention to the basics.
votecottrell.ca
CN Tower ✅
City Hall ✅
Overflowing garbage bin ✅
Maybe not.
A great city should look cared for.
Cleaner streets. Better public spaces. Better attention to the basics.
votecottrell.ca
September 10, 2026 at 7:01 PM
Toronto tourism brochure, 2027:
CN Tower ✅
City Hall ✅
Overflowing garbage bin ✅
Maybe not.
A great city should look cared for.
Cleaner streets. Better public spaces. Better attention to the basics.
votecottrell.ca
CN Tower ✅
City Hall ✅
Overflowing garbage bin ✅
Maybe not.
A great city should look cared for.
Cleaner streets. Better public spaces. Better attention to the basics.
votecottrell.ca
Toronto should keep moving toward cleaner energy, but major decisions need a clear business case.
I support more local solar where it makes sense and a preliminary study of Lake Ontario offshore wind before any commitment to build.
Practical. Affordable. Evidence-based.
votecottrell.ca
I support more local solar where it makes sense and a preliminary study of Lake Ontario offshore wind before any commitment to build.
Practical. Affordable. Evidence-based.
votecottrell.ca
September 10, 2026 at 4:03 PM
Toronto should keep moving toward cleaner energy, but major decisions need a clear business case.
I support more local solar where it makes sense and a preliminary study of Lake Ontario offshore wind before any commitment to build.
Practical. Affordable. Evidence-based.
votecottrell.ca
I support more local solar where it makes sense and a preliminary study of Lake Ontario offshore wind before any commitment to build.
Practical. Affordable. Evidence-based.
votecottrell.ca
I completed Toronto ACORN’s 2026 Municipal Candidate Survey:
✅ 7 fully supported
➖ 4 partially supported
❌ 1 not supported
Clear positions on tenant protections, affordability, extreme heat and provincial action.
Read my full responses: votecottrell.ca/news
✅ 7 fully supported
➖ 4 partially supported
❌ 1 not supported
Clear positions on tenant protections, affordability, extreme heat and provincial action.
Read my full responses: votecottrell.ca/news
September 10, 2026 at 10:45 AM
I completed Toronto ACORN’s 2026 Municipal Candidate Survey:
✅ 7 fully supported
➖ 4 partially supported
❌ 1 not supported
Clear positions on tenant protections, affordability, extreme heat and provincial action.
Read my full responses: votecottrell.ca/news
✅ 7 fully supported
➖ 4 partially supported
❌ 1 not supported
Clear positions on tenant protections, affordability, extreme heat and provincial action.
Read my full responses: votecottrell.ca/news
Toronto sometimes feels less like a city under construction and more like a city permanently looking for the exit.
Repairs and upgrades matter. But so do coordination, speed, and accountability.
Getting around should not feel like a maze.
A city that gets things done.
votecottrell.ca
Repairs and upgrades matter. But so do coordination, speed, and accountability.
Getting around should not feel like a maze.
A city that gets things done.
votecottrell.ca
September 10, 2026 at 10:01 AM
Toronto sometimes feels less like a city under construction and more like a city permanently looking for the exit.
Repairs and upgrades matter. But so do coordination, speed, and accountability.
Getting around should not feel like a maze.
A city that gets things done.
votecottrell.ca
Repairs and upgrades matter. But so do coordination, speed, and accountability.
Getting around should not feel like a maze.
A city that gets things done.
votecottrell.ca
At this rate, buying eggs is going to come with a dress code.
Toronto is getting more expensive, and even the basics are starting to feel premium-priced.
Ordinary groceries. Luxury prices.
We need a more affordable city.
votecottrell.ca
Toronto is getting more expensive, and even the basics are starting to feel premium-priced.
Ordinary groceries. Luxury prices.
We need a more affordable city.
votecottrell.ca
September 9, 2026 at 9:15 PM
At this rate, buying eggs is going to come with a dress code.
Toronto is getting more expensive, and even the basics are starting to feel premium-priced.
Ordinary groceries. Luxury prices.
We need a more affordable city.
votecottrell.ca
Toronto is getting more expensive, and even the basics are starting to feel premium-priced.
Ordinary groceries. Luxury prices.
We need a more affordable city.
votecottrell.ca
Too often, city problems get passed from office to office without real follow-up.
That is not representation.
A councillor should not just forward the problem. They should own it, stay on it, and work to get answers.
Real representation. Real results.
votecottrell.ca
That is not representation.
A councillor should not just forward the problem. They should own it, stay on it, and work to get answers.
Real representation. Real results.
votecottrell.ca
September 9, 2026 at 9:45 AM
Too often, city problems get passed from office to office without real follow-up.
That is not representation.
A councillor should not just forward the problem. They should own it, stay on it, and work to get answers.
Real representation. Real results.
votecottrell.ca
That is not representation.
A councillor should not just forward the problem. They should own it, stay on it, and work to get answers.
Real representation. Real results.
votecottrell.ca
Building more housing matters.
But if ordinary people still cannot afford the housing being built, supply alone is not enough.
Toronto needs to focus on affordability, not just unit counts.
It is not only about quantity.
It is about cost.
votecottrell.ca
But if ordinary people still cannot afford the housing being built, supply alone is not enough.
Toronto needs to focus on affordability, not just unit counts.
It is not only about quantity.
It is about cost.
votecottrell.ca
September 8, 2026 at 9:00 PM
Building more housing matters.
But if ordinary people still cannot afford the housing being built, supply alone is not enough.
Toronto needs to focus on affordability, not just unit counts.
It is not only about quantity.
It is about cost.
votecottrell.ca
But if ordinary people still cannot afford the housing being built, supply alone is not enough.
Toronto needs to focus on affordability, not just unit counts.
It is not only about quantity.
It is about cost.
votecottrell.ca
Toronto has world-class people.
Our transit should match them.
Riders should not have to build delays and uncertainty into every trip.
We can demand better.
A city that runs on time.
votecottrell.ca
#TTC #Toronto #StPauls
Our transit should match them.
Riders should not have to build delays and uncertainty into every trip.
We can demand better.
A city that runs on time.
votecottrell.ca
#TTC #Toronto #StPauls
September 8, 2026 at 10:49 AM
Toronto has world-class people.
Our transit should match them.
Riders should not have to build delays and uncertainty into every trip.
We can demand better.
A city that runs on time.
votecottrell.ca
#TTC #Toronto #StPauls
Our transit should match them.
Riders should not have to build delays and uncertainty into every trip.
We can demand better.
A city that runs on time.
votecottrell.ca
#TTC #Toronto #StPauls
For homeowners, my approach is straightforward:
Responsible growth that respects neighbourhoods.
Better roads, safer streets, stronger local services.
Smarter city spending before asking residents to pay more.
VoteCottrell.ca
Responsible growth that respects neighbourhoods.
Better roads, safer streets, stronger local services.
Smarter city spending before asking residents to pay more.
VoteCottrell.ca
September 7, 2026 at 8:16 PM
For homeowners, my approach is straightforward:
Responsible growth that respects neighbourhoods.
Better roads, safer streets, stronger local services.
Smarter city spending before asking residents to pay more.
VoteCottrell.ca
Responsible growth that respects neighbourhoods.
Better roads, safer streets, stronger local services.
Smarter city spending before asking residents to pay more.
VoteCottrell.ca
Toronto’s housing problem is not only about how many homes we build.
It is also about whether people can actually afford them.
I’m supporting more affordable housing, stronger protection against bad-faith evictions, and stronger representation for renters.
VoteCottrell.ca
It is also about whether people can actually afford them.
I’m supporting more affordable housing, stronger protection against bad-faith evictions, and stronger representation for renters.
VoteCottrell.ca
September 7, 2026 at 7:55 PM
Toronto’s housing problem is not only about how many homes we build.
It is also about whether people can actually afford them.
I’m supporting more affordable housing, stronger protection against bad-faith evictions, and stronger representation for renters.
VoteCottrell.ca
It is also about whether people can actually afford them.
I’m supporting more affordable housing, stronger protection against bad-faith evictions, and stronger representation for renters.
VoteCottrell.ca
Nobody in St. Paul’s should feel threatened because of their faith, background or identity.
We can disagree. We can protest. We can have difficult political conversations.
But threats, intimidation, vandalism and violence cross the line.
Antisemitism and hate have no place in St. Paul’s.
We can disagree. We can protest. We can have difficult political conversations.
But threats, intimidation, vandalism and violence cross the line.
Antisemitism and hate have no place in St. Paul’s.
September 7, 2026 at 7:38 AM
Nobody in St. Paul’s should feel threatened because of their faith, background or identity.
We can disagree. We can protest. We can have difficult political conversations.
But threats, intimidation, vandalism and violence cross the line.
Antisemitism and hate have no place in St. Paul’s.
We can disagree. We can protest. We can have difficult political conversations.
But threats, intimidation, vandalism and violence cross the line.
Antisemitism and hate have no place in St. Paul’s.
I’m running for City Council in St. Paul’s with three priorities for how I think local representation should work:
Practical. Accountable. Local.
Independent leadership focused on the community, not political teams.
VoteCottrell.ca
Practical. Accountable. Local.
Independent leadership focused on the community, not political teams.
VoteCottrell.ca
September 6, 2026 at 7:54 PM
I’m running for City Council in St. Paul’s with three priorities for how I think local representation should work:
Practical. Accountable. Local.
Independent leadership focused on the community, not political teams.
VoteCottrell.ca
Practical. Accountable. Local.
Independent leadership focused on the community, not political teams.
VoteCottrell.ca
Haven’t met yet?
I’m out speaking with residents across St. Paul’s, but I know I can’t reach every door.
So tell me: what needs fixing in Toronto? What isn’t working? What should City Hall be doing differently?
I want to hear from you.
VoteCottrell.ca
I’m out speaking with residents across St. Paul’s, but I know I can’t reach every door.
So tell me: what needs fixing in Toronto? What isn’t working? What should City Hall be doing differently?
I want to hear from you.
VoteCottrell.ca
September 2, 2026 at 3:11 AM
Haven’t met yet?
I’m out speaking with residents across St. Paul’s, but I know I can’t reach every door.
So tell me: what needs fixing in Toronto? What isn’t working? What should City Hall be doing differently?
I want to hear from you.
VoteCottrell.ca
I’m out speaking with residents across St. Paul’s, but I know I can’t reach every door.
So tell me: what needs fixing in Toronto? What isn’t working? What should City Hall be doing differently?
I want to hear from you.
VoteCottrell.ca