Defund police, invest in community safety

I am a white homeowner in Sandy Hill who pays taxes and votes. I am not comfortable with 1/3 of my taxes going to the police, who do not contribute in any meaningful way to community safety and well being for me and my neighbours.
When I walk around my neighbourhood I don’t see threats that need to be met with violence. I see a lot of need. The homeless and those who frequent the safe injection site a block away have never caused any issue for me and I worry about their health and safety

Defund the police. They have proven they are ill equipped to and disinterested in protecting and serving ALL people. Invest in public health, affordable housing, food security, mental health, child care, infrastructure.
I’m tired of status quo laziness. Examine other cities that are progressive and do this well.
Building density (with affordable housing) downtown and encouraging more locally owned businesses that are open past 5pm and pedestrian and cycle infrastructure (15min city) can create a vibrant city life, with bustling city streets that deter crime and increase safety.
Put pop up food trucks in parks and add washrooms so we can gather (safely) and enjoy our green spaces like most great cities. Moms, elderly, those of us with disabilities, need public facilities that we can use when out enjoying public spaces.
Get rid of the truck route straight through downtown - huge negative impact on well being and downtown experience.