Denzil Minnan-Wong is currently the City Councillor for Don Valley East (Ward 34) in the City of Toronto. First elected in 1994 on a campaign of keeping taxes down, Denzil grew up in Ward 34 and has called it home for over 30 years.
Denzil has been a leader on Toronto City Council and in his community. At City Hall he has been the Chair of the Economic Development, Parks and Recreation and Culture Committee. He has chaired the North York Community Council and has played important roles on the Planning and Transportation Committee, Community Services Committee, Works and Emergency Services Committee, Audit Committee, Toronto and Regional Conservation Board, the Toronto Transit Commission, Toronto Library Board, the Toronto Financial Service Advisory Committee and the SARS Recovery Task Force.
As a strong believer in the need for greater transparency and accountability to the taxpayer, Denzil championed the establishment of Canada's first municipal Auditor General. He was also in the forefront in initiating the first census of the homeless in our city.
As the Chair of the Economic Development, Parks and Recreation and Culture Committee, he was able to deliver a balanced budget.
As the Chair of the Council Staff Working Group for 311 Denzil saved the City millions of dollars.
Denzil has also been a strong advocate for cleaning up our neighbourhoods. He has successfully fought for more resources to clean up our streets. He has also championed tough new rules for an anti-postering by-law throughout the city.
In his capacity as Chair of the Taxi Reform Committee, Denzil was instrumental in drafting reforms designed to ensure a higher standard of service for Toronto's taxi industry to better serve the customer. This includes the establishment of a Passenger Bill of Rights and the introduction of the new Ambassador Class taxicab.
Locally, Denzil has worked as a volunteer for the North York General Hospital Foundation and the Toronto Police 33 Division Community Liaison Committee. He sponsors annual community clean-up days, has annual skating parties and created the Community Spirit Award.
