Today, Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto, released her proposed 2025 Budget to make change happen for Torontonians.
Mayor Olivia Chow Proposes 2025 Budget to Build a More Affordable, Caring, Safer City
“We must choose to invest in our city to address a decade of neglect and work to build a better life for Torontonians,” said Mayor Olivia Chow. “As Mayor, I will have your back and work together- to build a more caring, affordable, and safe city, where everyone belongs.”
Over the last decade, Toronto has become a harder place to live. From TTC service disruptions, to leaking roofs and overflowing shelters, the cracks from a decade of neglect are clear. Now, in this affordability crisis, people need public services most. Now is the time for rebuilding our city. The 2025 Budget is about fixing what’s broken and taking action to build a more caring, affordable and safer city.
The 2025 Budget will deliver for Torontonians:
Feed More Kids
- Feed 21,500 more kids at 48 schools by September 1 with school food programs
- Feed 31,000 youth through CampTO food programs
- Address the food insecurity emergency in Toronto
Get Toronto Moving
- Freeze TTC fares for riders while investing in service improvements
- New subway cars on Line 2 with 5-minute service or better
- 6-minute streetcar service on Dundas, St. Clair and Bathurst routes
- Bus bunching pilot to improve service on 10 high-ridership routes
- Relieve congestion with 100 Traffic Agents by end of 2025
Protect Renters & Build Homes
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Protect renters with a new Renoviction By-Law
- $1 million for Rent Bank to provide assistance for 2,700 households
- $800,000 for Eviction Prevention Program to help tenants stay in their home
- $303,000 for Tenant Support Program to defend their rights against landlords
- Pilot program with 200 air conditions for seniors and low-income tenants
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Build more affordable homes
- Unlock 8,000 affordable homes by waiving development charges;
- Build 6,000 units through the Rental Supply Housing Program
- Continue to speed up permitting with our new development review division (which cut times by 80% in 2024)
Create a Caring City
- Extend Sunday service hours at 67 Toronto Public Libraries
- Expand hours for outdoor pools by two hours daily
- Funding for local arts, festivals and events that make our city special
About the Budget Process
This year, the Mayor worked closely in collaboration with City staff and Budget Chief Shelley Carroll to prepare the budget. Thousands of Torontonians participated in pre-budget consultations and townhalls in reaction to the January 13th City Budget. This feedback was invaluable to shaping decisions and ensuring this budget reflects the priorities of Torontonians.
After hearing feedback through the budget consultation process, the Mayor’s Budget has proposed the following change from the January 13th staff-prepared budget:
- Increasing the property tax deferral and cancellation income threshold for seniors and persons with disabilities by 5% to $60,000.
- This will support an additional 2,300 households.
- Eligibility for property tax relief is based on an assessed home value of less than $975,000.
- Those eligible will also qualify for water rebate and solid waste rebate programs.
Quotes
“This Budget will bring positive change for residents in Toronto Centre and across the City. Thank you to everyone who participated in our budget process, shared your stories and helped to determine our priorities. This budget proposes a modest increase but will make a huge impact on the cleanliness, vibrancy, safety, and livability of our city.”
- Councillor Chris Moise (Toronto Centre)