Roberto Curto

Born in Ontario, I have called Toronto home since I was five. School, work and life have taken me across the city, shaping my belief that Toronto is much more than its downtown core. I believe understanding this city means getting outside your own neighbourhood, routine and bubble, and experiencing Toronto through the lives of friends, family and the people who call its many neighbourhoods home. I’m the son of a Portuguese father and Italian mother, and grew up surrounded by the cultures, neighbourhoods and small businesses that are such a big part of Toronto’s identity. My friends and I have joked for years about me becoming mayor, partly because of my personality, but mostly because I never seem to stop talking about cities. Whether I’m at home or travelling, I’m always pointing something out: Why can’t we do this in Toronto? Who thought that was a good idea?

This curiosity about cities eventually led me to graduate studies in environmental studies and urban planning. It gave me a stronger foundation for looking at housing, transportation, public space, the environment and city government as connected pieces rather than separate problems. I think that perspective can help me bring meaningful, practical and sometimes unconventional ideas to City Hall. I may not be the most familiar name running for mayor. That’s kind of the point. I’m running because sometimes the person willing to ask why we keep doing things the same way is exactly the person worth giving a chance.