Our Identity: Coalition of Toronto Residents’ Associations (COTRA)
COTRA is a city-wide coalition of concerned residents and residents’ associations, formed specifically in response to the City’s proposed Expanding Housing Options in Neighbourhoods (EHON) Neighbourhood Retail & Services (NRS) study.
We are united by a common desire to ensure that zoning changes that permanently alter our communities are thoughtful, appropriate, and informed by local voices.
Our Vision
We want vibrant, thriving neighbourhoods that benefit everyone. This vision is built on two core principles:
Protecting Residents’ Voices: We believe that residents deserve to be made fully aware of proposed zoning changes in detail, and that their voices should be allowed to directly inform decision-making at City Hall.
Supporting Local Business: We strongly support local businesses and believe thoughtful, targeted initiatives can allow for commercial development and a flourishing vibrant city while mitigating adverse impacts on residential neighbourhoods as outlined in the Official Plan.
Our Approach and Goals
COTRA’s work is driven by a commitment to data-driven transparency and community engagement.
| Our Approach (How We Work) | Our Goal (What We Aim to Achieve) |
| Build Awareness: Proactively inform residents about the proposed changes and their potential implications. | Drive Transparency: Ensure residents have access to factual, unbiased information about the zoning proposals. |
| Maintain Neutrality: Deliver factual communication through our network of residents’ associations and community contacts. | Achieve Meaningful Policy: Work collaboratively with City Planning, City Council, and stakeholders to advocate for appropriate and balanced policy changes. |
| Gather Feedback: Conduct city-wide surveys and outreach to gather resident feedback, providing objective data to policymakers. | Advance Community Engagement: Increase resident participation in planning decisions that directly affect the future of their neighbourhoods. |