2024 Budget Proposal and Townhall Details

Friends,

On Wednesday January 10th, the City of Toronto launched the 2024 Budget process with a staff prepared budget that protects core services and makes investments in transit, shelters, and community safety, based on feedback gathered during consultations with Toronto residents. Given the City's precarious and dire financial situation, this budget aims to correct our course and set the City up to achieve financial stability and sustainability through a new multi-year approach. In the face of a $1.8 billion shortfall, $600 million has been found in savings to propose a balanced budget that protects frontline services.

The 2024 staff prepared budget reflects input from the November 2023 Budget Consultations and furthers the actions of the City’s Long Term Financial Plan (LTFP) and the Ontario-Toronto New Deal Agreement. In addition to striking a new deal with the Provincial Government, the proposed 2024 Operating Budget expects to have access to a Federal funding program providing reimbursement of costs associated with programs that belong under Federal jurisdiction but are currently paid for by the City, currently estimated at $250 million for 2024. The Federal government needs to step up to pay for its share so that the City can focus on providing the services that Torontonians require.  

Toronto residents and businesses are encouraged to continue to be a part of the 2024 Budget process. Feedback can be provided to the Budget Committee in person, online, or in writing. Details are available on the City’s 2024 Budget webpage. I will also be hosting a virtual Community Budget Town Hall on January 16 at 5pm. Details are available at gordperks.ca/2024budgettownhall .

The 2024 Budget launch presentation by City Manager Paul Johnson and Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer Stephen Conforti is available on the City’s website here.

This is a sizeable step in solving the problems caused by 12 years of austerity budgets. We are well on our way back to having a proper financial foundation that will secure future prosperity for Toronto and give it the ability to deliver the services that Torontonians desire.

Sincerely,

Gord

 


- Parkside Drive Study: Phase Two Public Consultation Launch

- Service Resumed: Dufferin Gate Bridge 

- Masaryk Cowan Community Centre now open

 

Parkside Drive Study: Phase Two Public Consultation Launch

Phase Two public consultation is taking place between January 3 and February 15, 2023. This phase of consultation is collecting road user and community feedback on the potential interim changes and long-term vision for Parkside Drive. This phase includes a community group meeting, public drop-in event, and survey to understand how proposed changes and impacts are supported by the community.

Public Drop-In Event

The Public Drop-In Event will provide an opportunity to view the project information panels and speak with members of the project team one-on-one.

Date: February 1, 2024
Time: 6 to 8 p.m.
Location: Lithuanian Hall 1573 Bloor Street West

This is a wheelchair accessible venue.

Feedback

Complete the online feedback survey  before Thursday, February 15, 2024.

Consultation Materials


Dufferin Gate Bridge Service resumed on January 7

We are pleased to inform you that TTC crews have completed the streetcar overhead work that was part of the Dufferin Street/Springhurst Avenue Streetcar Track Renewal Project.

The TTC will resume service to Dufferin Gate loop on the 29/929 Dufferin bus and 504 King starting January 7, 2024. At the same time, service on the 329 Dufferin bus will be extended to the Exhibition. The service details on each of these routes will be updated via pole cards at the affected transit stops, and on the TTC route webpages: 29 Dufferin, 329 Dufferin, 929 Dufferin, and 504 King.


Masaryk Cowan Community Centre reopens

Masaryk Cowan gymnasium was temporarily closed in December for maintenance, from December 4 - 22.

The gymnasium is now open again with new gym floors!

 

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Pride Celebrations Kick Off at City Hall

Friends,

The City officially kicked off its Pride Month celebrations this week with a Pride Flag raising ceremony at City Hall. I was delighted to join City staff and residents at the festivities and am indeed proud that Toronto is a city where we celebrate Pride Month together.

Pride Month is about honouring the history, courage, and diversity of our 2SLGBTQ+ communities, while affirming our commitment to ensuring the safety and dignity of 2SLGBTQ+ Torontonians every day of the year. More information about Pride Month programming and events across the city is available on the City’s website.

I also wanted to share a reminder that as the weather gets warmer and we spend more time outdoors, it is important that we look out for one another about staying safe during extreme heat.

Toronto is experiencing more frequent heat events and extended heat waves outside of seasonal norms. Vulnerable populations such as infants and young children, older adults, those with certain health conditions, people who work outdoors and people experiencing homelessness are at increased risk of heat-related illnesses.

I encourage you to review the City’s Keep Cool website which has information on preventing heat-related illnesses, including the City’s Heat Relief Network and more than 500 Cool Spaces across Toronto where people can seek relief from the heat.

Wishing you a happy Pride Month and a joyful event and festive season ahead.

 

Sincerely,



In This Week's Newsletter

City Wide Updates 

  • Neighbourhood Retail and Services Study Community Consultation 
  • Bylaw Updates for Adequate Indoor Temperature in Rental Units

Ward 4

  • 3286-3316 Dundas St W Development Application Submitted
  • Roncy Remarket this Saturday
  • The Junction Farmers Market has returned
  • West Toronto Junction Heritage Conservation District (HCD) Study Community Consultation

Transportation Updates

  • Stop Sign at Springhurst Ave and Close Ave
  • West Parkdale Cycling Connection Update
  • Contact us for a 'Slow Down' sign

Victoria Day Long Weekend

Friends,

I am wishing you and your loved ones a happy long weekend, and invite you to take advantage of the wide range of family-friendly activities offered by the City.

Of note, on Saturday, May 17, more than 140 splash and spray pads in City parks will open for the season, operating daily from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. until Sunday, September 14. Splash pad locations are available on the City’s Swimming and Water Play webpage.

The City’s CaféTO 2025 program is also set to kick off this weekend, bringing outdoor dining opportunities to our communities.  More than 280 local restaurants and bars are participating in this year’s curb lane cafe program, as well as more than 550 sidewalk cafes and more than 700 private patios, helping to energize neighbourhoods, support small businesses and create dynamic public spaces that bring people together. More information about CaféTO is available on the City’s CaféTO website

I want to highlight that on the following weekend, Doors Open Toronto will be returning to beloved sites across our city.  Doors Open Toronto enables residents to visit Toronto’s architectural, historical, cultural and socially significant buildings for free on May 24 & 25. Sites are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. unless otherwise indicated. The public can also register for free city-wide guided neighbourhood tours and a series of themed talks. Find more information and sign up for free talks and tours on the City’s Doors Open Toronto webpage.

As warmer weather sets in, this is an exciting time for Torontonians to once again be together outdoors. I hope you can explore and discover new facets of our wonderful neighbourhoods, parks, and public spaces in the coming weeks.

Sincerely,   

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