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!
