Welcome to Civics for the Average Torontonian with your host, your civic big sister.

The 2026 Toronto municipal election is quickly approaching and there’s a lot of information out there that you need to know in order to make an informed decision on who to vote for.

We know that learning about city-wide politics sometimes stops after you graduate from school. Personally, the last time I learned about anything civic-related was fifth grade and I cheated on that test. It was my first and last time cheating on an assessment and guess what, I still somehow failed it.

But anyway, the ins and outs of how civic processes happen and what city councillors actually do isn’t common knowledge. 

Here’s a few things you’ll learn in our series:

• What level of government is responsible for your problems
• What a city councillor actually does
• What’s zoning and how it’s decided
• How something actually becomes policy
• Where your tax money goes
• And so much more

Have any questions about the upcoming election? Email me at aia@thegreenline.to for more information.

Check back here every Thursday to see new episodes and guides until the election goes live.

Finding who to complain to about your Toronto problems

By Aia Jaber | August 5, 2026

This guide is part of a series for Torontonians to gain civic literacy skills before the upcoming 2026 municipal election. Stay tuned to see all 12 parts.

What does a Toronto city councillor actually do?

By Aia Jaber | August 12, 2026

We see Toronto city councillors making promises and showing up to events in their ward. But what do they actually do in their day-to-day job?

What does the Mayor of Toronto even do?

By Aia Jaber | August 20, 2026

The Mayor of Toronto has a few different duties and responsibilities. Here’s everything you need to know.

Toronto wards, explained: Who lives there, who represents them and why it matters

By Aia Jaber | August 27, 2026

Do you know what Toronto ward you live in? Or that there’s a database available telling you about the residents and their circumstances?

How to navigate the City of Toronto website

By Aia Jaber | September 3, 2026

The City of Toronto website can be difficult to navigate. We explain how you can find what you need when it comes to civic-related matters.

What do City of Toronto staff even do?

By Aia Jaber | September 10, 2026

This guide is part of a series for Torontonians to gain civic literacy skills before the upcoming 2026 municipal election. Stay tuned to see all 12 parts.

How does something actually become a by-law in Toronto?

By Aia Jaber | September 24, 2026

Sometimes I feel like throwing a cute little party at a park, and I often run into words like “parking permits” and “noise by-laws.” But how do these rules even come into effect?

Where does the City of Toronto get its money?

By Aia Jaber | October 1, 2026

Have you ever wondered where we actually get our money? We explain the City’s funding in less than five minutes.

Where does the City of Toronto’s money actually go?

By Aia Jaber | October 8, 2026

Last episode we talked about where the City gets its money. Now we’re breaking down where that money goes and who decides on it.

Here’s what you need to know about every ward for the 2026 Toronto municipal election

By The Green Line | October 1, 2026

Use this landing page to find your ward, then check out the explainer to get briefed on your neighbourhood before hitting the polls on election day.

2026 Toronto municipal election

By The Green Line | October 1, 2026

Election season is in full swing in Toronto, so The Green Line team prepared tools and stories to help you get ready to vote. Download our pocket guide and attend our mayoral debate before heading to the polls 🗳️