TORONTO - Mayor Chow’s 2026 budget delivers more support for seniors:
“People are feeling squeezed by the cost of living. This budget offers real help for seniors and their families with tasks like cleaning, cooking and financial management, so that seniors can stay in their homes and age in dignity. We are also tax relief of over $800 for more seniors, doubling the free air conditioner program to keep seniors safe in the heat, and adding programming in libraries and community centres.”
“From school food programs and frozen TTC fares to help upgrading and protecting your home—we’re making Toronto more affordable. The 2026 budget continues delivering a more affordable, safe and caring city.”
Mayor Chow’s 2026 budget includes more support for seniors:
- Helping More Seniors Age at Home
The 2026 budget increases funding to three programs that help seniors with essential tasks, so they can stay in their homes. The budget eliminates the 3-year waitlist for Homemakers and Nurses Services, which help people with day-to-day tasks at home. The budget also boosts funding to the Voluntary Trusteeship Program which helps seniors manage their finances, and the Extreme Cleaning Program for those who need more support to stay housed.
These programs currently help over 2,100 seniors live independently in their homes. The 2026 budget increases spending by $1.2 million on these programs to $7.6 million total, to help an additional 450 seniors each year.
- Property Tax Relief for Seniors
The 2026 budget expands access to the City’s Property Tax Deferral and Cancellation Program by raising the income threshold to $62,000. A senior with a home at average value will save $818 this year on combined property taxes, garbage and water bills. Since 2023, Mayor Chow has raised the income threshold by $7,000, saving more seniors money every year.
- More Free Air Conditioners for Seniors
The 2026 budget more than doubles the number of free air conditioners for seniors and low income renters as part of the Air Conditioner Assistance Program. In 2025, the city provided 500 air conditioners and installed them, in 2026 that number will be over 1,000.
- Free and Subsidized Programs in Libraries and Community Centres
The 2026 budget has $1.4 million in the library budget to increase seniors programming at libraries and on site at seniors’ buildings through the community librarian program. Toronto also has 12 dedicated seniors' centres and offers recreation programs for older adults at over 125 community centres. Older adults benefit from a 50% reduction in recreation program fees.
Within the next year, more than one in five Canadians will be over 65. In the next 25 years, the number of people over 85 will triple. One in five seniors can't handle an unexpected expense.
The Mayor’s budget provides additional support for seniors to age comfortably and safely at home and maintain community connections.
Mayor Chow’s 2026 budget focuses on affordability and continuing progress on making Toronto safer. It includes free healthy meals in schools, TTC fares frozen for the third straight year - as well as investment to continue reducing 911 wait times and lowering crime by hiring police, paramedics, firefighters and mental health workers. See more here.
Quotes:
“WoodGreen Community Services applauds this joint investment from the City of Toronto and the Province of Ontario in Homemaker and Nursing Services and Public Trusteeship programs. As a service provider for both programs, we support seniors and other community members with essential in-home services that are often their first connection to care. This funding strengthens our ability to help people age in place, remain independent, and live safely, while also ensuring critical protections are in place for individuals who need support managing decisions and finances.”
- Dorothy Quon - Vice President, Community Care, WoodGreen Community Services
“Mayor Chow's additional investment in NIP’s Trusteeship Program will help prevent evictions and keep some of Toronto’s most vulnerable community members safely housed. By providing structured financial and case management support, we are not only addressing immediate crises — we are building long-term stability and dignity for the people we serve.”.
- Gladys Wong, Executive Director of Neighbourhood Information Posy
“I’ve lived independently most of my life, even with a visual impairment, but as I got older I realized I needed a bit of extra help. Through the City of Toronto and WoodGreen, I’ve been receiving homemaker support for the past two years, and it’s been a real blessing. The help with things like laundry and light housekeeping has made a big difference, and I’m very grateful for the support. It’s allowed me to stay in my home and continue living independently.”
- Antonio Rossi, Toronto resident