With the upcoming municipal elections just around the corner, and the city facing countless important issues, it's time for citizens like you and I to be involved. In November we'll have our chance to cast our votes and play a role in determining who sits on city council, who in turn will steer our city in the years to come.

Last night CBC Radio Toronto invited the public to New Visions For Toronto, a town hall discussion broadcasted live on 99.1FM and hosted by Metro Morning's Andy Barrie.

Five candidates for city council (of 275 running) representing a range of wards, and of diverse background, age, and political experience took their turns answering questions from a panel of reporters and citizens in the audience.

The issues were many. What should we do with the Gardiner? The waterfront? Should the GTA transit systems be amalgamated? Should we introduce tolls on our highways? Is the new portlands gas-fired powerplant the best option? How can we reduce our mounting solid waste problem? How can community play a greater role in condo development? What should we do to crack down on crime and change the increasingly common perception that Toronto is unsafe? Where will the funds required for new projects come from? How can we better evaluate priorities and spending?

Listen to CBC Radio One on 99.1FM for highlights from the discussion on Metro Morning airing between 6am and 8:30am this morning, and on Here & Now between 3pm and 6pm this afternoon. Audio clips are also up on the web.

For more details on the upcoming election, visit:
- Toronto Votes 2006 (voter information, candidate information, news releases, etc.)
- Spacing Votes (covering public space issues for election 2006)