Why I’m Running for Scarborough City Council in 2023

When asked why I am running for Scarborough Centre, my response is not tied to a single moment or issue. It stems from years of observing decisions made about our communities, often lacking urgency, accountability, sustainability, or a long term vision.

For nearly a decade, I have been actively engaged in civic leadership.

I have participated in committee meetings, addressed the Toronto City Council, interacted with decision makers, and collaborated with residents from diverse backgrounds. Through these experiences, I have realized a crucial truth: the decisions made at City Hall extend beyond its walls. They shape our neighborhoods, influence our quality of life, and determine the future our families will inherit.

I have witnessed the repercussions of inaction.

I have observed communities grappling with rising violence while too many discussions conclude without meaningful action. I have spoken with young individuals seeking opportunities, seniors concerned about safety, families burdened by rising costs, and residents who simply want their voices to be heard once more.

Scarborough Centre deserves leadership that does not merely react to problems after they arise. We deserve leadership that anticipates challenges, makes thoughtful decisions, and plans for the future. City Hall is too quite about the many realities of Toronto.

That is why I am running.

My campaign is not based on promises that vanish after Election Day. It is founded on the belief that public service begins long before holding public office. Leadership is earned by consistently showing up, listening attentively, and having the courage to make decisions that benefit not only today’s residents but also future generations.

Scarborough has always embodied resilience.

We are one of the most diverse communities globally, home to entrepreneurs, essential workers, students, newcomers, seniors, families, and individuals with dreams as diverse as the city itself. Our diversity is one of our greatest strengths, but it must also be reflected in the opportunities available to every resident. As our city continues to grow, Scarborough Centre must not merely keep pace, we must help lead Toronto's future.

This means building communities where residents feel safe walking home at night. It means investing in transportation that keeps our city moving. It means ensuring our infrastructure supports growth rather than lagging behind. It means respecting taxpayers by making responsible decisions with every public dollar. Above all, it means creating a city where people can genuinely envision building a life for years to come.

Throughout this campaign, you will often hear me discuss one phrase: the cost of inaction.

Because the cost of delaying important decisions is borne by residents every single day.

It is borne by families navigating affordability challenges.

It is borne by commuters spending hours traveling across the city.

It is borne by neighborhoods affected by violence.

It is borne by young people searching for opportunities and seniors hoping to age comfortably within the communities they helped build.

We cannot afford to normalize problems simply because they have existed for a long time.

I believe Toronto is one of the greatest cities in the world. But believing in our city also means believing we can do better. Leadership is not about creating headlines. It is about creating results.

As your City Councilor, my commitment is straightforward: to continue bringing the same dedication, preparation, and community first approach that has guided my work for years directly to City Hall. I will end the waste of our tax payer dollars. This campaign is about more than electing one person. It is about choosing the kind of city we want to become.

Together, we can build a Scarborough Centre that is safer, stronger, more connected, and full of opportunity not only for ourselves but for generations to come. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about my vision. I look forward to continuing this conversation with you at your door, in our neighborhoods, and throughout this campaign.

Patience Evbagharu

Candidate for Toronto City Council, Scarborough Centre (Ward 21)