Biography

Peter's interest and involvement in politics began as a volunteer canvasser at the age of fourteen. His engagement in political life has grown considerably since that time, leading to him being elected Municipal Councillor eleven years ago.

A lifelong passion for architecture and urban design coupled with his interest in municipal affairs convinced Peter to seek elected office at the municipal level. In 1994, he was elected to serve as a City Councillor with the former City of Etobicoke. Over the course of his three-year term, his achievements included bringing architectural design excellence and urban design issues to the forefront of the political agenda in Etobicoke. He played a key role in the stimulation of development on the moribund Etobicoke Motel Strip, including renaming it "Humber Bay Shores". One of the highlights of Peter's time at Etobicoke was bringing about the development of an Arts Centre on the Lakeshore Hospital Grounds.

Re-elected in 2000 to the Council of the newly amalgamated City of Toronto, Peter continued to be a leader at the city on issues of architecture, urban design and development while representing the constituents of Etobicoke-Lakeshore at community council and council.

His focus for the current 2003-2006 term of Council includes being chair of the City’s e-City Committee, Vice Chair of TorontoExpo2015 Bid Committee, and being an active member of the Planning and Transportation Committee and of the Budget Advisory Committee. He also believes in encouraging and working with local groups, ratepayers’ associations and BIA’s by supporting their community work and events.

Peter began his professional career as a consultant in the design, development, and architectural fields. In 1991 he established his own consulting firm, PZM DESIGN. In addition he became very involved in the non-profit housing sector and was involved in the development of several significant private and public projects. In 1993 he was hired as the Executive Director of Tatry Non-Profit Housing Corporation in Mississauga to oversee all aspects of this 149-unit housing project. Peter's most recent professional work included a range of residential and commercial projects from custom residences to multi-million dollar condominium complexes, and retail developments.

Peter was born in Etobicoke in 1965 and grew up in south Etobicoke. Upon graduation from Etobicoke Collegiate Institute, Peter went on to the University of Toronto's Faculty of Architecture where he graduated in 1989 with a Bachelor of Architecture Degree. His degree thesis project was for an Arts Centre on the Lakeshore Psychiatric Hospital Grounds.

Peter lives in Sunnylea with his fiancée. He has many varied interests including sports, art, travel, and a passion for languages. He is fluent in English and Polish, speaks conversational French, and has also studied German, Italian, and Latin.