Many different institutions were involved with no one institution taking full responsibility for the process. Community reactions varied depending on their level of local organization. The library closure process is ongoing, and is connected to broader issues, such as the localized impact of amalgamation, in Toronto's communities. Many areas are facing cuts to services in addition to their library, and, as a consequence, are worried about the gradual erosion of their local neighbourhoods. The Province's decision to downsize Toronto Council from 57 to 44 has councillors scrambling.
Emotions are high as councillors are fighting for their political survival.
For the few councillors who have elected not to run, the upcoming year is a prime time for them to make unfettered decisions, and a real opportunity to focus on issues that need a long, hard look. Indeed, an interesting year to come. I've been working at the Greater Toronto Services Board since October 1999. I don't think I ever really realized how diverse the GTA was before I began working here. There are 30 separate regional and local municipalities in the GTA ranging from the city of Toronto, with a population of 2.4 million, to the township of Brock, with a population of 12,000.