The first object of the South Rosedale Ratepayers' Association (SRRA) as stated in the SRRA constitution is "to promote the welfare of the community; preserve and improve its present characteristic as a Residential Park area." In this regard, the SRRA Board of Directors has encouraged the planting of trees in the community and has opposed front yard parking and circular driveways. The Association also does not encourage the construction of high fences or security gates around front lots and tries to protect the City's limits on coverage of a property and to resist the building of monster homes. The SRRA has also been a strong supporter of the Ravine By-Law which prevents building on ravine slopes.

The second object of the SRRA constitution is "to devise, consider, recommend and promote such legislation, municipal and other measures as may be deemed wise and expedient in the interests of the community." Thus the Association has fought vigorously against Market Value Assessment and amalgamation of the city and suburbs into a megacity, measures which could endanger the preservation of South Rosedale in its historic form. The Association encouraged the preservation of what has been referred to as the "Rosedale Mansion" by supporting the vertical division of these large houses into two separate residences or by allowing each floor to be an individual residence, as long as each dwelling meets a minimum square-footage requirement. This policy has helped to deter the demolition of many of these beautiful homes to be replaced by town houses or row housing which was changing the character of the community. Similarly, the SRRA has not opposed the renovation of Coach Houses as continued housing because these Coach Houses have been an integral part of the community.

The third object is "to assist in the enforcement and carrying out of all ordinances and laws for the comfort, safety, health and prosperity of the community." The SRRA has worked to ensure that municipal by-laws are enforced and has worked with Councillors Adams and Bossons in this regard. Such projects as the conversion of a garage into a legal office or into a cabana have been opposed as these add to the parking problems in South Rosedale and require more parking pads which are detrimental to the environment. The Association also supports the by-law restricting new circular driveways and has worked to clean up some rented properties which have been so poorly maintained as to be a blight on the community.

The fourth object is "to plan, recommend and promote the adoption of such measures as will tend to beautify and improve the community and add to its attractiveness." In this regard, the SRRA Tree Committee had been successful in locating places for trees to be planted and working with the City to facilitate replacement of our aging stately trees. The Association also worked hard to ensure that the Summerhill Station Development would have houses rather than apartment buildings on the portion of the lot away from Yonge Street and that the Pricefield Park would be suitably landscaped. The SRRA Board is also paying for a comprehensive traffic study of the parts of South Rosedale in order that suitable recommendations can be made to the City. The Association also supported the development of the parkette at the corner of Crescent Road and South Drive.

The fifth object of the SRRA is "to promote the good government of the City and particularly as it effects the community." The SRRA Board works closely with the local councillors to ensure that they are aware of community issues. The Association also helps sponsor a Candidates Night before every municipal election to ensure that there is an opportunity for residents to hear and question the candidates and encourages all South Rosedale residents to actively support the candidates of their choice and to ensure that they cast their ballots on election day. South Rosedale tends to have a very high voter turnout and thus is very influential in determining who will be successful.

The influence of the SRRA is dependent of the support of its community, both financially and through volunteers. Fortunately, in both regards, the South Rosedale Ratepayers' Association has the reputation of being the most active and influential ratepayer association in the City of Toronto. This is because more than half of all families in South Rosedale pay the annual fee of $75 and many donate additional funds. In additon, most of the co-ownership condos and co-op in South Rosedale have joined the Association. This ensures that the Association is able to fund traffic studies, lobbying efforts such as the fight against Market Value Assessment and the lack of protection in the Second Suites By-law, community planning projects such as the Summerhill Station development and oppose inappropriate development before the Ontario Municipal Board.