Community NewsToronto

City of Toronto Announces 2025 Budget Consultations

Toronto – Mayor Olivia Chow and Councillor Shelley Carroll, Chair of the Budget Committee, have unveiled plans for the City of Toronto’s 2025 Budget Consultations. This marks the second consecutive year that the City will gather public input to guide budgetary decisions. From now until October 31, 2024, residents are invited to participate by completing an online survey or attending one of six consultation sessions, both in-person and virtual.

How to Participate

Residents can share their views on the City’s budget priorities through an online survey, available at www.toronto.ca/budget. The survey is offered in 12 languages, reflecting Toronto’s diversity. Alternatively, residents can attend one of four in-person sessions or two virtual meetings.

In-person Consultation Dates:

  • North York Memorial Hall: Saturday, October 19, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Scarborough Civic Centre: Thursday, October 24, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Rose Avenue Junior Public School: Sunday, October 27, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Etobicoke Olympium: Monday, October 28, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Virtual Consultation Dates:

  • Wednesday, October 23, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Wednesday, October 30, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

All in-person meetings will offer American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation, while virtual meetings will include live closed captioning. Residents requiring additional accessibility support are encouraged to contact the City’s engagement team via email at engagement@toronto.ca or phone at 416-392-5398.

The City is also collaborating with community organizations, such as Albion Neighbourhood Services and the Toronto Youth Cabinet, to ensure that Black, Indigenous, and other equity-deserving communities have their voices heard through facilitated, community-led consultations.

Key Dates for 2025 Budget Development

The results of the consultations will be presented at the Budget Committee’s first meeting on January 13, 2025. These insights will play a key role in shaping the final budget, which Mayor Chow is expected to propose by February 1, 2025.

City’s Financial Outlook

As part of a broader effort to secure Toronto’s financial future, the City approved an Updated Long Term Financial Plan and signed the Ontario-Toronto New Deal agreement in 2023. The 2024 budget addressed several pressing needs, including improved public transit, extended library hours, and facility upgrades. However, the City continues to face significant fiscal challenges, highlighted by an opening deficit of $1.8 billion in the current budget cycle.

Mayor Olivia Chow stated:
“As we launch our second annual budget consultations, I invite Toronto residents to share what matters most to them and shape the future of our City. The results of this year’s consultations will help us tackle the City’s pressing financial challenges and invest in resident priorities such as transit, housing, and community safety. I encourage everyone to get involved and make their voices heard.”

Councillor Shelley Carroll added:
“Toronto is at a pivotal moment as we address significant financial challenges and build a strong financial future. The 2025 Budget Consultations are an opportunity for people to engage directly in the Budget process and provide their input. Your feedback is invaluable in guiding our decisions and ensuring that the 2025 Budget reflects the needs of all Torontonians.”

Toronto’s diverse population of over three million residents makes it one of the world’s most dynamic and livable cities. Consistently recognized for its leadership in finance, technology, and culture, the City remains committed to investing in its future.

For more information, visit www.toronto.ca or follow the City of Toronto on social media.

Kelly Deschamps

Kelly Deschamps is an Entertainment Writer at GTA Today, covering the latest in music, film, TV, and festivals. With a passion for the entertainment industry, Kelly brings readers insightful and engaging stories from the heart of the cultural scene. For inquiries or feedback, contact Kelly at kelly.deschamps@gtaweekly.ca.

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