Toronto City Council Approves $18.8B Budget with Tax Hike and Police Funding Boost

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Toronto City Council has approved the 2025 budget in a 19-5 vote, passing an $18.8 billion operating plan with a 6.9% property tax increase. While the budget expands investments in transit, housing, and emergency services, a significant funding boost to Toronto Police has sparked debate. Mayor Olivia Chow and Budget Chief Shelley Carroll defended the budget, calling it a “responsible and forward-looking plan.” “We are investing in what matters most: building homes faster, feeding more kids, and keeping Toronto moving,” Chow stated. For Regent Park and the downtown east, the budget carries major implications. It freezes TTC fares while adding 500,000 service hours, expands school food programs, and waives development fees to accelerate affordable housing. However, the decision to allocate more resources to Toronto Police over social services drew criticism from some councillors and residents. Protesters interrupted the meeting, voicing concerns over the prioritization of policing over community support programs. Councillor Chris Moise emphasized the need for increased investment in social services, stating, “Our communities need more support beyond law enforcement.” The budget also includes $59.6 billion in capital investments over the next decade, focusing on transit expansion, climate initiatives, and infrastructure maintenance. With the mayor opting not to exercise her veto, the budget is now officially adopted. Despite the city’s efforts to balance financial stability with community needs, debate over funding priorities is likely to continue as implementation begins in the months ahead.

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