Hi, we haven’t met but I’m your neighbour.  

I live in the west end of the city - a little further north than the downtown elites - but well within the boundaries of what has always been Toronto.

I am the mother of one extremely social and outgoing toddler. Before my son was born I struggled with my feelings about this city. I was frequently overwhelmed and used to feeling out of my element.

Since my son has been born I have had the pleasure of seeing this city transform.  

Every little crack seems to have sprouted a flower. Now I know the women who run the local grocery store — in fact, they are my girlfriends. The people at the drug store remember us and chit-chat about the news of the day. At the park, the girls who guard the splash pad greet us by name and make us feel like we are famous. We visit the Early Years centres several times a week, and I am blown away by the wonderful and diverse women who run these programs. I am proud to know them.

I grew up in a much smaller city - far more dangerous than this one - where I had half the sense of community in my neighbourhood.  We are very lucky here to have the parks that we do, the neighbours that we do, the resources that we do.

I am so grateful for my son, who has opened my eyes to the community that is all around me. In fact, I didn’t really live in Toronto until I had a child here.

Your neighbour,
Carla Mundwiler

(sent today to Councillor Doug Holyday and cc’ed to Councillor Ana Bailao)