Toronto Unveils 2025 Budget: 6.9% Tax Hike to Fund Enhanced City Services

By -

Mayor Olivia Chow and Budget Chief Councillor Shelley Carroll, alongside City Manager Paul Johnson and Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer Stephen Conforti, have introduced Toronto's 2025 budget, a comprehensive $18.8 billion operating plan alongside a historic $59.6 billion capital investment.

Fred Alvarado – Local Journalism Initiative

The proposed 6.9% tax hike, comprising a 5.4% residential property tax increase and a 1.5% boost to the City Building Fund, aims to fund crucial projects in transit, housing, and public safety, as outlined in the 2025 staff-prepared operating and capital budgets.

The operating budget includes $94 million in new investments to improve transit, public safety, and community services while addressing affordability. The capital budget, the largest in Toronto’s history, focuses on maintaining infrastructure, supporting climate action, and advancing state-of-good-repair projects.

To enhance affordability, the budget expands food programs for 8,000 more students, increases youth participation through CampTO, and offers rental assistance to 300 additional households via the Rent Bank. Public safety will be strengthened with 300 new emergency services positions, youth violence prevention initiatives, and improved road safety measures. Transit improvements include a 5.8% increase in service hours and more traffic agents to enhance flow and safety. Community services will benefit from extended library hours, increased outdoor pool operations, and expanded cultural programs.

The proposed tax increase will average an additional $17.50 per month for residents. Mayor Chow emphasized that this investment will enhance city services, including maintaining frozen transit fares and extending recreational facility hours.

The budget process encourages public participation, with consultations and reviews ensuring that community priorities are reflected. The final budget presentation is slated for February 1, with a council vote on February 11.

For Regent Park and Downtown East communities, the budget addresses vital needs like affordable living and public safety, fostering a more inclusive environment.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Regent Park Portrayed in Film and Television

By -
Image
Toronto has a rich history of being a go-to shooting location for many television and film production companies. Some notable films shot here over the years include Good Will Hunting (1997), Billy Madison (1998), American Psycho (2000), and X-Men (2000). Regent Park has also had its share of showcases in film. This article aims to review the general content of movie dramas and televisions shows shot in Regent and explore their relationship to the community. Clement Virgo is a director, producer, and writer from Montego Bay, Jamaica. He was born in 1966 and moved to the Regent Park area in Toronto in 1977. During this time Regent Park was generally populated by low-income families and as a hot spot for drugs. Virgo is most recently known for his roles in Greenleaf (2016-2018), The Book of Negroes (2015), and The Wire (2002) as Director and/or Producer. His first feature-length film, however, was Rude (1995), which was filmed almost entirely in the old Regent Park. “The film told...
Read more

Regent Park Roots: Paul Tobias’ Story of Breaking Barriers

By -
Image
Paul Tobias’ journey from growing up in Regent Park to becoming a published author and community leader is a testament to resilience and the power of generational change. His life story, shaped by the challenges of public housing, systemic inequities, and racial discrimination, speaks to larger societal issues that demand collective attention. Dimitrije Martinovic – Local Journalism Initiative Paul’s book, written as a reflection on his struggles and triumphs, challenges social stigmas often attached to public housing residents and immigrants. By sharing his personal narrative, Paul highlights the persistence required to rise above systemic barriers while calling for reforms in housing policies and social service accountability. His experience also underscores the need for equitable access to education as a means of breaking cycles of poverty. Education played a central role in Paul’s life and became the legacy he passed on to his children. Through his deter...
Read more

City Commissioned Consultants Present Report on the SDP

By -
The Regent Park Social Development Plan, commonly referred to as the SDP,is a key framework guiding the neighborhood's well-being through a focus on social inclusion and cohesion. The current SDP structure revolves around four working groups related to community identified needs around employment, safety, community building and communication. The working groups generally meet monthly to plan and implement action plans and activities. The working groups are supported by a planning committee that meets weekly and various other sub-committees. The planning committee and work groups all report to a stakeholders table that meets quarterly. Participation on the work groups, planning committee, sub-committees and the stakeholders table are open to everyone, including: TCHC Residents Market Residents City of Toronto Staff Representatives from TCHC  Daniels and Tridel Staff members from all agencies and organizations operating in Regent Park Several major accomplishments of the SDP include:...
Read more