Toronto's budget debate mirrored a Medieval Times dinner theatre performance, with predetermined outcomes and staged drama. While Mayor Olivia Chow's budget, including a 6.9% property tax increase and funds for social services, faced little serious scrutiny, the lack of substantive debate raises concerns about the city's governance.
At Toronto’s Medieval Times dinner theatre, you can watch 11th-century Spanish knights joust for their monarch. As you savour roast chicken and a tankard of 7 Up, you will quickly perceive that the falls are choreographed and the lances designed to break.
The relative peace of the day signalled a strong political consensus. It also suggested a lack of seriousness in how the country’s biggest and fastest-growing city is governed. That’s true, and it is refreshing to hear. For nearly 15 years Toronto was ruled by conservative mayors who promised to hold the line on property taxes while watching things crumble. We have seen the results: broken buses, decrepit parks, a City Hall building that is visibly falling apart.
Toronto Budget Olivia Chow Property Taxes Social Services City Governance
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Toronto Public Health warns of possible measles exposure at Toronto Pearson AirportToronto health officials are warning that travellers at Toronto Pearson Airport Terminal 1 may have been exposed to measles this week.
Read more »
Toronto Police Budget Increase Faces Minimal ScrutinyToronto Police Service's proposed $46.2 million budget increase was largely unchallenged at the city's budget committee meeting. Councillors asked few questions about the 3.9% hike, and Mayor Olivia Chow has indicated her support for the request.
Read more »
Toronto capital budget aims to flatten curve of growing infrastructure repair backlogFrom community centres to parks to the TTC, Torontonians may start to notice improvements to city maintenance, as Toronto pushes to invest majorly in addressing aging and crumbling infrastructure.
Read more »
Proposed Toronto budget would increase funds for school food programs by nearly $6MOlivia Chow
Read more »
Toronto mayor's final budget mostly unchanged, keeps tax hikeToronto Mayor Olivia Chow, pictured here in her office in December, presented the finalized version of her 2025 city budget Thursday.
Read more »
NEWS ROUNDUP: Toronto budget, US prayer breakfast, Halifax stabbing, and moreThis news roundup covers various stories from Canada and beyond, including updates on Toronto's budget, a stabbing at a Halifax hospital, a US prayer breakfast attended by Alberta cabinet ministers, and more.
Read more »