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January 24th 2025
Candice made a scheduled appearance at a Budget Subcommittee meeting at the North York Civic Centre on Wednesday, January 22. Candice, representing a deputation of young citizens, was granted five minutes to deliver her presentation where she advocated for youth safety on the TTC and addressed the rising cost of transit fares, particularly for students aged 13 years and older.
"The TTC is my lifeline to school and back every day," Candice remarked. "At 12 years old, I should be able to ride alone, but safety concerns mean my parents still accompany me. Youth safety is a top priority for every family. Another challenge is the rising cost of TTC tickets. When I turn 13, I will soon face higher fares, making it more expensive."
The Budget Subcommittee is responsible for hearing public presentations and providing advice to the Mayor on the operating and capital budgets; and making recommendations to City Council on any operating or capital budgets in which the Mayor has a pecuniary interest.
Candice wanted the City to know that, based on her personal experience and a little research, she came to the conclusion that the TTC system exemplified the concept of "more is less," meaning that Toronto had a higher number of daily passengers, higher fare tickets, but unfortunately, less safety.
"First and foremost, please consider further optimizing discounted fare policies for youth to reduce their travel costs," Candice appealed. "The youth monthly fare in Toronto is $128, which is double the fare in Vancouver and Montreal which is $54 to $57 per month." She also suggested the TTC could provide more diverse fare options for youth, such as seasonal or annual passes. "These measures could encourage greater use of public transportation, benefiting family time management and promoting environmental sustainability."
Candice also suggested that the current investment in safety may be insufficient and asked the City and TTC to consider increasing the frequency of security patrols, especially during times and on routes frequently used by youth.
"Toronto faces significantly more crime and safety incidents than other cities," Candice pointed out. She proposed that the TTC could develop and promote an app similar to Uber's tracking system, which might include features such as emergency contact, vehicle tracking, and schedule inquiries, with direct links to police services, schools, and parents.
"I could also work on this app with my peers to assist our government if needed," Candice offered.
Candice has been active in several youth organizations, including the Toronto Youth Cabinet. She has volunteered for Guardian’s Best Animal Rescue Foundation - a Canadian not-for-profit organization aimed at raising funds for local animal rescues. Candice originally joined the Budget Committee last year to advocate for improvements in municipal animal services and obtain more financial support to build more animal shelters.
"Montcrest is a place where learning is framed by big ideas and compelling questions. We learn in a place with Principles that help us get along, grow and make decisions about the things that matter.”
We applaud Candice for her courage and confidence by adding her voice to a conversation that matters to her and for demonstrating the impact one voice can have in the larger community.
She is putting the Montcrest Learning Principles of Challenge and Equity into practice by actively engaging as A Compelling Communicator, a Purposeful Problem-Solver, and A Contributing Citizen.
"The TTC is my lifeline to school and back every day," Candice remarked. "At 12 years old, I should be able to ride alone, but safety concerns mean my parents still accompany me. Youth safety is a top priority for every family. Another challenge is the rising cost of TTC tickets. When I turn 13, I will soon face higher fares, making it more expensive."
The Budget Subcommittee is responsible for hearing public presentations and providing advice to the Mayor on the operating and capital budgets; and making recommendations to City Council on any operating or capital budgets in which the Mayor has a pecuniary interest.
Candice wanted the City to know that, based on her personal experience and a little research, she came to the conclusion that the TTC system exemplified the concept of "more is less," meaning that Toronto had a higher number of daily passengers, higher fare tickets, but unfortunately, less safety.
"First and foremost, please consider further optimizing discounted fare policies for youth to reduce their travel costs," Candice appealed. "The youth monthly fare in Toronto is $128, which is double the fare in Vancouver and Montreal which is $54 to $57 per month." She also suggested the TTC could provide more diverse fare options for youth, such as seasonal or annual passes. "These measures could encourage greater use of public transportation, benefiting family time management and promoting environmental sustainability."
Candice also suggested that the current investment in safety may be insufficient and asked the City and TTC to consider increasing the frequency of security patrols, especially during times and on routes frequently used by youth.
"Toronto faces significantly more crime and safety incidents than other cities," Candice pointed out. She proposed that the TTC could develop and promote an app similar to Uber's tracking system, which might include features such as emergency contact, vehicle tracking, and schedule inquiries, with direct links to police services, schools, and parents.
"I could also work on this app with my peers to assist our government if needed," Candice offered.
Candice has been active in several youth organizations, including the Toronto Youth Cabinet. She has volunteered for Guardian’s Best Animal Rescue Foundation - a Canadian not-for-profit organization aimed at raising funds for local animal rescues. Candice originally joined the Budget Committee last year to advocate for improvements in municipal animal services and obtain more financial support to build more animal shelters.
"Montcrest is a place where learning is framed by big ideas and compelling questions. We learn in a place with Principles that help us get along, grow and make decisions about the things that matter.”
We applaud Candice for her courage and confidence by adding her voice to a conversation that matters to her and for demonstrating the impact one voice can have in the larger community.
She is putting the Montcrest Learning Principles of Challenge and Equity into practice by actively engaging as A Compelling Communicator, a Purposeful Problem-Solver, and A Contributing Citizen.
