Eric Lombardi
@ericlombardi.bsky.social
A thoughtful guy in fintech. Champion of progress. YIMBY @moreneighbours Toronto. Writes in @TheHubCanada @TorontoStar 🏳️🌈🇨🇦🌐🏗🏙
Want even better parks and public spaces in Toronto? With better maintenance, programming, and events?
Toronto already has a great example of a public space managed by a non-profit - The Bentway!
Today’s memo is simple, how can we get more places like it?
Take a read!
Toronto already has a great example of a public space managed by a non-profit - The Bentway!
Today’s memo is simple, how can we get more places like it?
Take a read!
October 30, 2025 at 6:08 PM
Want even better parks and public spaces in Toronto? With better maintenance, programming, and events?
Toronto already has a great example of a public space managed by a non-profit - The Bentway!
Today’s memo is simple, how can we get more places like it?
Take a read!
Toronto already has a great example of a public space managed by a non-profit - The Bentway!
Today’s memo is simple, how can we get more places like it?
Take a read!
Housing has always been at the center of my civic work, through @MoreNeighbours and my writing.
So of course, my first memo for @build_toronto is housing related:
OLD TORONTO MUST GROW TO RELIEVE THE SUBURBS.
- - - 🌆 🏗️👇- - -
So of course, my first memo for @build_toronto is housing related:
OLD TORONTO MUST GROW TO RELIEVE THE SUBURBS.
- - - 🌆 🏗️👇- - -
September 17, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Housing has always been at the center of my civic work, through @MoreNeighbours and my writing.
So of course, my first memo for @build_toronto is housing related:
OLD TORONTO MUST GROW TO RELIEVE THE SUBURBS.
- - - 🌆 🏗️👇- - -
So of course, my first memo for @build_toronto is housing related:
OLD TORONTO MUST GROW TO RELIEVE THE SUBURBS.
- - - 🌆 🏗️👇- - -
🌆🏗️ BIG NEWS🚀
I am thrilled to take on a new (volunteer) role as Chair of @build_toronto, the first municipal project of @build_canada
We’ll be working with civic & business leaders to push for ideas that improve governance, growth, prosperity, and opportunity in Toronto.
(Vid cut to 3M)
I am thrilled to take on a new (volunteer) role as Chair of @build_toronto, the first municipal project of @build_canada
We’ll be working with civic & business leaders to push for ideas that improve governance, growth, prosperity, and opportunity in Toronto.
(Vid cut to 3M)
September 16, 2025 at 1:54 PM
🌆🏗️ BIG NEWS🚀
I am thrilled to take on a new (volunteer) role as Chair of @build_toronto, the first municipal project of @build_canada
We’ll be working with civic & business leaders to push for ideas that improve governance, growth, prosperity, and opportunity in Toronto.
(Vid cut to 3M)
I am thrilled to take on a new (volunteer) role as Chair of @build_toronto, the first municipal project of @build_canada
We’ll be working with civic & business leaders to push for ideas that improve governance, growth, prosperity, and opportunity in Toronto.
(Vid cut to 3M)
People keep saying this of Toronto YIMBYs and MNTO specifically, but it’s actually not true.
July 24, 2025 at 7:58 PM
People keep saying this of Toronto YIMBYs and MNTO specifically, but it’s actually not true.
My latest in The Hub:
ONTARIO IS NOW THE “SICK MAN” OF CANADA.
Our provinces failures drag down the country.
- - -
This is a longer read, but an absolutely critical discussion to have. Canada cannot thrive if Ontario holds it back. 👇
ONTARIO IS NOW THE “SICK MAN” OF CANADA.
Our provinces failures drag down the country.
- - -
This is a longer read, but an absolutely critical discussion to have. Canada cannot thrive if Ontario holds it back. 👇
June 16, 2025 at 1:07 PM
My latest in The Hub:
ONTARIO IS NOW THE “SICK MAN” OF CANADA.
Our provinces failures drag down the country.
- - -
This is a longer read, but an absolutely critical discussion to have. Canada cannot thrive if Ontario holds it back. 👇
ONTARIO IS NOW THE “SICK MAN” OF CANADA.
Our provinces failures drag down the country.
- - -
This is a longer read, but an absolutely critical discussion to have. Canada cannot thrive if Ontario holds it back. 👇
It is literally right there Alex. That the next PM is going to have a mandate to navigate Canada through what is probably a generational geopolitical/economic crisis.
But many challenges are provincial jurisdiction. That will make it hard for the next PM!
But many challenges are provincial jurisdiction. That will make it hard for the next PM!
February 19, 2025 at 2:23 PM
It is literally right there Alex. That the next PM is going to have a mandate to navigate Canada through what is probably a generational geopolitical/economic crisis.
But many challenges are provincial jurisdiction. That will make it hard for the next PM!
But many challenges are provincial jurisdiction. That will make it hard for the next PM!
Read my latest for The Hub.
“A competitive race between Poilievre and Carney for prime minister is a gift. It forces them and us to be better.“
thehub.ca/2025/02/19/e...
“A competitive race between Poilievre and Carney for prime minister is a gift. It forces them and us to be better.“
thehub.ca/2025/02/19/e...
February 19, 2025 at 1:40 PM
Read my latest for The Hub.
“A competitive race between Poilievre and Carney for prime minister is a gift. It forces them and us to be better.“
thehub.ca/2025/02/19/e...
“A competitive race between Poilievre and Carney for prime minister is a gift. It forces them and us to be better.“
thehub.ca/2025/02/19/e...
Big thank you to everyone who attended my lecture on “How Toronto’s Housing Crisis Ends” with @moreneighboursto.bsky.social
Thank you to The Toronto Society and the Viaduct Lecture series for organizing!
Thank you to The Toronto Society and the Viaduct Lecture series for organizing!
January 9, 2025 at 4:41 PM
Big thank you to everyone who attended my lecture on “How Toronto’s Housing Crisis Ends” with @moreneighboursto.bsky.social
Thank you to The Toronto Society and the Viaduct Lecture series for organizing!
Thank you to The Toronto Society and the Viaduct Lecture series for organizing!
These 10 (+1) ideas are small, but they’d be huge progress and could be done this year.
Let’s push @oliviachowtoronto.bsky.social and Council to make it happen. Have more ideas? Tweet them my way and I’ll share them! @moreneighboursto.bsky.social
Let’s push @oliviachowtoronto.bsky.social and Council to make it happen. Have more ideas? Tweet them my way and I’ll share them! @moreneighboursto.bsky.social
January 2, 2025 at 4:33 PM
These 10 (+1) ideas are small, but they’d be huge progress and could be done this year.
Let’s push @oliviachowtoronto.bsky.social and Council to make it happen. Have more ideas? Tweet them my way and I’ll share them! @moreneighboursto.bsky.social
Let’s push @oliviachowtoronto.bsky.social and Council to make it happen. Have more ideas? Tweet them my way and I’ll share them! @moreneighboursto.bsky.social
BONUS - mentioned on Twitter.
LEGALIZE SMALL BIZ RETAIL IN NEIGHBOURHOODS.
Cc @blairscorgie.bsky.social @brandondonnelly.bsky.social
LEGALIZE SMALL BIZ RETAIL IN NEIGHBOURHOODS.
Cc @blairscorgie.bsky.social @brandondonnelly.bsky.social
January 2, 2025 at 4:33 PM
BONUS - mentioned on Twitter.
LEGALIZE SMALL BIZ RETAIL IN NEIGHBOURHOODS.
Cc @blairscorgie.bsky.social @brandondonnelly.bsky.social
LEGALIZE SMALL BIZ RETAIL IN NEIGHBOURHOODS.
Cc @blairscorgie.bsky.social @brandondonnelly.bsky.social
4B. FEWER PROJECTS, FINISHED FASTER
Rather than starting many projects that drag on, focus on fewer, well-planned ones that wrap up quickly.
Prioritize shortened construction times and road closures, reduce gridlock and frustration for everyone.
Rather than starting many projects that drag on, focus on fewer, well-planned ones that wrap up quickly.
Prioritize shortened construction times and road closures, reduce gridlock and frustration for everyone.
January 2, 2025 at 4:33 PM
4B. FEWER PROJECTS, FINISHED FASTER
Rather than starting many projects that drag on, focus on fewer, well-planned ones that wrap up quickly.
Prioritize shortened construction times and road closures, reduce gridlock and frustration for everyone.
Rather than starting many projects that drag on, focus on fewer, well-planned ones that wrap up quickly.
Prioritize shortened construction times and road closures, reduce gridlock and frustration for everyone.
3C. GIVE STREETCARS RIGHT-OF-WAY
Prioritize streetcar lanes. Time traffic lights so streetcars don’t stop every block.
Remove left turns that hold up entire lines. More people per vehicle means we should clear the path for them (duh).
Prioritize streetcar lanes. Time traffic lights so streetcars don’t stop every block.
Remove left turns that hold up entire lines. More people per vehicle means we should clear the path for them (duh).
January 2, 2025 at 4:33 PM
3C. GIVE STREETCARS RIGHT-OF-WAY
Prioritize streetcar lanes. Time traffic lights so streetcars don’t stop every block.
Remove left turns that hold up entire lines. More people per vehicle means we should clear the path for them (duh).
Prioritize streetcar lanes. Time traffic lights so streetcars don’t stop every block.
Remove left turns that hold up entire lines. More people per vehicle means we should clear the path for them (duh).
3B. FUND THE WATERFRONT EAST LRT
Better yet, consider a lakefront-spanning rapid transit solution.
With development booming in the Port Lands, we need rapid transit yesterday.
Moving at a snail’s pace will leaves new residents car dependent.
Better yet, consider a lakefront-spanning rapid transit solution.
With development booming in the Port Lands, we need rapid transit yesterday.
Moving at a snail’s pace will leaves new residents car dependent.
January 2, 2025 at 4:33 PM
3B. FUND THE WATERFRONT EAST LRT
Better yet, consider a lakefront-spanning rapid transit solution.
With development booming in the Port Lands, we need rapid transit yesterday.
Moving at a snail’s pace will leaves new residents car dependent.
Better yet, consider a lakefront-spanning rapid transit solution.
With development booming in the Port Lands, we need rapid transit yesterday.
Moving at a snail’s pace will leaves new residents car dependent.
3A. BUILD THE KING-LIBERTY SMARTTRACK STATION
Stop dithering—King-Liberty is a high-density area that desperately needs better transit.
Council should not consider defunding this project when other stations with declining populations remain on track.
Stop dithering—King-Liberty is a high-density area that desperately needs better transit.
Council should not consider defunding this project when other stations with declining populations remain on track.
January 2, 2025 at 4:33 PM
3A. BUILD THE KING-LIBERTY SMARTTRACK STATION
Stop dithering—King-Liberty is a high-density area that desperately needs better transit.
Council should not consider defunding this project when other stations with declining populations remain on track.
Stop dithering—King-Liberty is a high-density area that desperately needs better transit.
Council should not consider defunding this project when other stations with declining populations remain on track.
2B. REPLACE DEVELOPMENT CHARGES WITH HST
Demand the prov and fed govt cede 1% of sales tax (0.5% each) to Toronto for infrastructure—on the condition that the city removes citywide DCs.
This would jumpstart housing construction and help us keep up with growing demand.
Demand the prov and fed govt cede 1% of sales tax (0.5% each) to Toronto for infrastructure—on the condition that the city removes citywide DCs.
This would jumpstart housing construction and help us keep up with growing demand.
January 2, 2025 at 4:33 PM
2B. REPLACE DEVELOPMENT CHARGES WITH HST
Demand the prov and fed govt cede 1% of sales tax (0.5% each) to Toronto for infrastructure—on the condition that the city removes citywide DCs.
This would jumpstart housing construction and help us keep up with growing demand.
Demand the prov and fed govt cede 1% of sales tax (0.5% each) to Toronto for infrastructure—on the condition that the city removes citywide DCs.
This would jumpstart housing construction and help us keep up with growing demand.
2A. ACCELERATE HOUSING REFORMS
The Housing Action Plan needs simplicity and boldness.
@oliviachowtoronto.bsky.social and @jasonthorne.bsky.social should expedite ambitious reforms, particularly for apartment infill.
Delays cost us time in a crisis—Toronto’s housing shortage isn’t going away.
The Housing Action Plan needs simplicity and boldness.
@oliviachowtoronto.bsky.social and @jasonthorne.bsky.social should expedite ambitious reforms, particularly for apartment infill.
Delays cost us time in a crisis—Toronto’s housing shortage isn’t going away.
January 2, 2025 at 4:33 PM
2A. ACCELERATE HOUSING REFORMS
The Housing Action Plan needs simplicity and boldness.
@oliviachowtoronto.bsky.social and @jasonthorne.bsky.social should expedite ambitious reforms, particularly for apartment infill.
Delays cost us time in a crisis—Toronto’s housing shortage isn’t going away.
The Housing Action Plan needs simplicity and boldness.
@oliviachowtoronto.bsky.social and @jasonthorne.bsky.social should expedite ambitious reforms, particularly for apartment infill.
Delays cost us time in a crisis—Toronto’s housing shortage isn’t going away.
1C. ALLOW PRIVATE PAID PUBLIC RESTROOOMS
Public toilets can be funded privately and maintained via a small fee, as seen across the world.
If the city isn’t willing to pay for new facilities, let private operators step in. This improves street life and basic dignity for all.
Public toilets can be funded privately and maintained via a small fee, as seen across the world.
If the city isn’t willing to pay for new facilities, let private operators step in. This improves street life and basic dignity for all.
January 2, 2025 at 4:33 PM
1C. ALLOW PRIVATE PAID PUBLIC RESTROOOMS
Public toilets can be funded privately and maintained via a small fee, as seen across the world.
If the city isn’t willing to pay for new facilities, let private operators step in. This improves street life and basic dignity for all.
Public toilets can be funded privately and maintained via a small fee, as seen across the world.
If the city isn’t willing to pay for new facilities, let private operators step in. This improves street life and basic dignity for all.
1B. MAKE CAFÉTO YEAR-ROUND
No more temporary, flimsy, pylon patio setups—allow restaurants to invest in robust, all-season patios.
Our winters can be long, but a well-designed heated + covered patio scene can brighten them up and keep local businesses thriving.
No more temporary, flimsy, pylon patio setups—allow restaurants to invest in robust, all-season patios.
Our winters can be long, but a well-designed heated + covered patio scene can brighten them up and keep local businesses thriving.
January 2, 2025 at 4:33 PM
1B. MAKE CAFÉTO YEAR-ROUND
No more temporary, flimsy, pylon patio setups—allow restaurants to invest in robust, all-season patios.
Our winters can be long, but a well-designed heated + covered patio scene can brighten them up and keep local businesses thriving.
No more temporary, flimsy, pylon patio setups—allow restaurants to invest in robust, all-season patios.
Our winters can be long, but a well-designed heated + covered patio scene can brighten them up and keep local businesses thriving.
1A. PEDESTRIAN SUMMER
Close destination streets to cars from June to October—like Montreal does.
Picture Church Street, parts of Yonge, Ossington, Augusta, Dundas West, Yorkville, etc. becoming walkable promenades.
Good for local business, street festivals, and vibes.
Close destination streets to cars from June to October—like Montreal does.
Picture Church Street, parts of Yonge, Ossington, Augusta, Dundas West, Yorkville, etc. becoming walkable promenades.
Good for local business, street festivals, and vibes.
January 2, 2025 at 4:33 PM
1A. PEDESTRIAN SUMMER
Close destination streets to cars from June to October—like Montreal does.
Picture Church Street, parts of Yonge, Ossington, Augusta, Dundas West, Yorkville, etc. becoming walkable promenades.
Good for local business, street festivals, and vibes.
Close destination streets to cars from June to October—like Montreal does.
Picture Church Street, parts of Yonge, Ossington, Augusta, Dundas West, Yorkville, etc. becoming walkable promenades.
Good for local business, street festivals, and vibes.
Happy New Year Toronto 🥳🥂
I want to share 10 IDEAS TO MAKE TORONTO BETTER this year!
They fall into 4 categories!
1) Public Realm & Street Life
2) Housing & Affordability
3) Transit & Mobility
4) Governance & Efficiency
🧵👇cc @oliviachowtoronto.bsky.social @joshmatlow.bsky.social
I want to share 10 IDEAS TO MAKE TORONTO BETTER this year!
They fall into 4 categories!
1) Public Realm & Street Life
2) Housing & Affordability
3) Transit & Mobility
4) Governance & Efficiency
🧵👇cc @oliviachowtoronto.bsky.social @joshmatlow.bsky.social
January 2, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Happy New Year Toronto 🥳🥂
I want to share 10 IDEAS TO MAKE TORONTO BETTER this year!
They fall into 4 categories!
1) Public Realm & Street Life
2) Housing & Affordability
3) Transit & Mobility
4) Governance & Efficiency
🧵👇cc @oliviachowtoronto.bsky.social @joshmatlow.bsky.social
I want to share 10 IDEAS TO MAKE TORONTO BETTER this year!
They fall into 4 categories!
1) Public Realm & Street Life
2) Housing & Affordability
3) Transit & Mobility
4) Governance & Efficiency
🧵👇cc @oliviachowtoronto.bsky.social @joshmatlow.bsky.social
My Latest in The Hub.
10 big (and yes, controversial) ideas to make Canada better in 2025.
Need a dose of optimism? I had a lot of fun writing this one.
Let me know your ideas! 🏗️🇨🇦
thehub.ca/2024/12/19/e...
10 big (and yes, controversial) ideas to make Canada better in 2025.
Need a dose of optimism? I had a lot of fun writing this one.
Let me know your ideas! 🏗️🇨🇦
thehub.ca/2024/12/19/e...
December 19, 2024 at 2:40 PM
My Latest in The Hub.
10 big (and yes, controversial) ideas to make Canada better in 2025.
Need a dose of optimism? I had a lot of fun writing this one.
Let me know your ideas! 🏗️🇨🇦
thehub.ca/2024/12/19/e...
10 big (and yes, controversial) ideas to make Canada better in 2025.
Need a dose of optimism? I had a lot of fun writing this one.
Let me know your ideas! 🏗️🇨🇦
thehub.ca/2024/12/19/e...
My latest in @torontostar.bsky.social on Bonnie Crombie’s More Homes You Can Afford.
This is one of the most significant housing proposals I’ve seen from a provincial party, one that could eliminate 6-figures in cost for new homes.
It’s a big deal!
www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
This is one of the most significant housing proposals I’ve seen from a provincial party, one that could eliminate 6-figures in cost for new homes.
It’s a big deal!
www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
December 15, 2024 at 2:33 PM
My latest in @torontostar.bsky.social on Bonnie Crombie’s More Homes You Can Afford.
This is one of the most significant housing proposals I’ve seen from a provincial party, one that could eliminate 6-figures in cost for new homes.
It’s a big deal!
www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
This is one of the most significant housing proposals I’ve seen from a provincial party, one that could eliminate 6-figures in cost for new homes.
It’s a big deal!
www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
Ford and Trudeau’s cheque gimmicks are a totally unserious response to the systemic affordability issues they are responsible for.
What does it say about us, as voters, that these gimmicks seem to work? Have we entirely lost our self-respect? (2/3)
What does it say about us, as voters, that these gimmicks seem to work? Have we entirely lost our self-respect? (2/3)
November 26, 2024 at 12:44 PM
Ford and Trudeau’s cheque gimmicks are a totally unserious response to the systemic affordability issues they are responsible for.
What does it say about us, as voters, that these gimmicks seem to work? Have we entirely lost our self-respect? (2/3)
What does it say about us, as voters, that these gimmicks seem to work? Have we entirely lost our self-respect? (2/3)
We, as Canadians, have condoned the stupidity that has become our politics across the entire political spectrum.
We are fast becoming an unserious country and it will put us on the Path to an Argentinian 20th century if we don’t get serious.
We are fast becoming an unserious country and it will put us on the Path to an Argentinian 20th century if we don’t get serious.
November 21, 2024 at 3:41 PM
We, as Canadians, have condoned the stupidity that has become our politics across the entire political spectrum.
We are fast becoming an unserious country and it will put us on the Path to an Argentinian 20th century if we don’t get serious.
We are fast becoming an unserious country and it will put us on the Path to an Argentinian 20th century if we don’t get serious.
It appears that Vaughan Mayor Del Duca has just made the biggest reduction in Development Charges by any municipality in Ontario (however, from a very high starting point).
Cities are finally seeing that these tax levels are unsustainable for new housing!
Cc @mikepmoffatt.bsky.social
Cities are finally seeing that these tax levels are unsustainable for new housing!
Cc @mikepmoffatt.bsky.social
November 20, 2024 at 2:02 PM
It appears that Vaughan Mayor Del Duca has just made the biggest reduction in Development Charges by any municipality in Ontario (however, from a very high starting point).
Cities are finally seeing that these tax levels are unsustainable for new housing!
Cc @mikepmoffatt.bsky.social
Cities are finally seeing that these tax levels are unsustainable for new housing!
Cc @mikepmoffatt.bsky.social