Toronto the good: Devolution and the transformative power of municipal regulation

This paper outlines how the devolution of power from federal and provincial governments to municipalities has expanded and the role of municipal law. This shift in power to municipalities was supported by courts and buttressed by a shift in political philosophy. This paper demonstrates that although many critics have argued that municipal regulation has been used to marginalize already marginalized groups, it may also have a transformative effect on cities and their residents. Using the case study of municipal regulation passed in the City of Toronto, this paper argues that while this transformation may result in marginalization, it may also allow for the inclusion of more and more diverse voices in municipal decision-making.