Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow proposed a 6.9% tax increase for homeowners on Monday as part of an $18.8 billion operating budget aimed at expanding city services while addressing financial pressures.
The increase comprises a 5.4% property tax hike and a 1.5% city building levy, which would cost the average Toronto homeowner an additional $268 annually, according to budget documents.
The proposal follows last year’s 9.5% increase, and 2023’s 7% hike.
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The 2025 budget includes the city’s largest-ever 10-year capital plan at $59.6 billion, with more than half allocated to address Toronto’s infrastructure repair backlog. Key initiatives include maintaining TTC fares while improving service frequency, extending operating hours at 67 libraries and public pools, and adding 276 emergency services positions. The Toronto Police Service would receive an additional $46.2 million.
City staff identified $680 million in savings to help address a $1.2 billion “opening pressure” — the amount needed to maintain existing service levels.
The plan drew criticism from Councillor Brad Bradford, who questioned its value for residents facing cost-of-living challenges. “What are Torontonians getting in return? Rising costs, stagnating services, and a city government that has been overrun with bureaucracy,” he posted on X
The city will hold public consultations through January, including two telephone town halls and in-person sessions across Toronto. Under provincial law, the final budget must be presented by February 1, with a council vote scheduled for February 11.
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