Many of you supported our Cooksville community when we fought to protect our neighbourhood. Although the Ontario Land Tribunal ultimately overrode local voices, the larger issue never went away.

Across Ontario, communities are still dealing with development decisions that override local planning and place enormous pressure on existing neighbourhoods and infrastructure.

Right here in Cooksville, we are already seeing the impact as major development continues to move forward around Hurontario and Hillcrest — adding density to streets that are already heavily populated and raising serious questions about infrastructure, traffic, and community planning.

Recently I connected with residents in Etobicoke who are now facing a very similar situation. Their community is organizing to challenge a proposal that would replace an existing rental building with a 39-storey tower.

Their fight reflects many of the same concerns we raised — protecting existing housing, respecting neighbourhood planning, and ensuring communities have a meaningful voice.

As you supported our efforts, you may want to read the message below from Michelle of the Old Mill Terrace Residents’ Association and consider supporting their petition. Strength in numbers matters.

Freeda

https://www.change.org/FamiliesAndInfrastructureFirst

Michelle’s message: 

Dear Freeda's Supporters,

When you're fighting for what's right, never count yourself out. 

Last week, I reached out to Freeda, a petition starter like me. We talked on the phone for an hour, and she shared with me how courageously you all fought for what you believed was right. Our journey has just begun. Our values, and what we stand for, are the same as yours. If there's still a fight left in you, please consider signing and sharing our petition. 

A proposed 39-storey high-rise is set to replace a 3-storey rental building that is already providing affordable homes to families, seniors, and long-term tenants. It will directly abut the low-rise, family homes that make up our neighbourhood. My neighbours are now on a mission to hold the Ford government accountable for its gross abuse of power and authority, and whose policies serve to enrich the very few, while leaving generations of Ontarians to pay the price. 

We are taking the fight beyond our street, our neighborhood, even our city. We are taking it across Ontario.

We are organized, we have the support of our City councillor, we have Indigenous Rights lawyers, and the president of our Ratepayers Association fighting with us. The Mississaugas of the Credit First Nations started their own heritage site investigation. The tenants, who will be evicted from their homes, are filing with the Human Rights Tribunal. We have 2000+ supporters on our petition. On October 26, 2026, municipal elections are being held. Our voices have never been more powerful.

We are fighting to continue what you started. We care about our community, we care about your community, we are fighting for what is right for all residents across Ontario. Please give us strength in numbers. Please sign and share.

With deepest gratitude,
Michelle - Old Mill Terrace Residents' Association