By Lincoln DePradine
Measures outlined within the Metropolis of Toronto’s 2025 funds mark “probably the most formidable monetary plans in our metropolis’s historical past”, based on councilor Jamaal Myers.
“For these of you which are struggling, reduction packages can be found to help low-income seniors and residents with disabilities,” Myers stated in a written and an audio-visual message to his constituents of Scarborough North.
A company lawyer, Myers was elected to Metropolis Council in November 2022. His obligations embrace serving as chairman of the Toronto Transit Fee (TTC).
Myers, in his message, referred to what he thought-about highlights of the funds, comparable to spending on public transit infrastructure and the freezing of TTC fares “for the second yr in a row. This funds displays our shared priorities of affordability, transit enhancements, neighborhood companies, public security and sustainability”.
He additionally pointed to different funds proposals comparable to plans for “fixing six TTC stations, together with Kennedy and Scarborough City, to make sure our stations are secure, clear and orderly”; in addition to “extending Sunday hours at 67 libraries and growing recreation facility working hours”; broadening “college meals packages to help 8,000 extra college students”; and “offering hire help to 300 further households”.
In Scarborough North, the “progress and investments” which have been made embrace the conversion of Farquharson Park—an outdated baseball diamond —right into a cricket facility, “reflecting the rising recognition of cricket in our neighborhood”, stated Myers.
Myers and his colleagues at Metropolis Council shall be voting on the funds on Tuesday, February 11.
“Whereas this funds makes historic strides in investing in our infrastructure, I acknowledge the challenges posed by this yr’s property tax improve. A 5.4 % residential property tax hike, mixed with a 1.5 % improve within the Metropolis Constructing Fund, interprets to six.9 % or an extra $19.83 monthly for the common Toronto home-owner,” stated Myers.
“I acknowledge that after years of underinvestment in our property and companies, this funds makes concrete strides towards repairing growing old infrastructure, sustaining important companies, and making ready for the longer term,” he added.
“Nonetheless, I additionally acknowledge, having grown up in Scarborough in a single-parent family, that each greenback counts for lots of us and that many households, together with people who personal houses, are struggling.”
A coalition of organizations, together with labour teams, is planning to rally outdoors Metropolis Corridor at Nathan Phillips Sq. throughout Tuesday’s funds debate.
The goal is “to let council know that is no time for cuts”, rally organizers say.
“This yr’s proposed funds contains elevated investments into important neighborhood companies comparable to inexpensive housing, transit, and a scholar diet program; however, this funding received’t be assured until Metropolis Council votes to help it. It’s time to ship a robust message: we have to fund a metropolis the place everybody can thrive.”
LJI reporter
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