The letter below is from Mayor of Toronto John Tory.  He states we "are begging to pay more in taxes".

Why are politicians so clueless!!!!!!!!

John Tory <mayor_tory@toronto.ca>  - email Tory tell him what you think! 

"Dear Friend --

I wanted to let you know that last week Council approved the City of Toronto's 2018 budget.

For the fourth year in a row, the budget invests in key areas that will make life better in Toronto while keeping taxes low and spending under control.

An overwhelming majority of councillors endorsed the budget and it proves that I am doing exactly what I said I was going to do when I ran for Mayor in 2014 - we are restoring stability and strong management to the City and its finances.

This budget contains more than $50 million in new and enhanced investments including the TTC's Hop On-Hop Off transfer, the City's TransformTO climate change action plan, 

funding for social housing repairs, 1,515 additional child care spaces, 20,000 additional recreation spaces, accelerating the Vision Zero safety plan and hiring more police officers focusing on community safety.

And the budget continues to invest the funding I've secured from the federal and provincial governments in our first ever transit network plan that will see us build the next wave of transit priority project including the Relief Line, SmartTrack, the Eglinton East LRT and waterfront transit.

Keeping the City Affordable

The single biggest cheque families write to the City is for their property tax bill.

I was elected on a mandate to keep tax increases at or below the rate of inflation. As much as some Councillors have said their residents are begging to pay more taxes, 

the majority of Torontonians voted for candidates who called for strict discipline on property tax hikes. I'm proud that with a 2.1% residential property tax increase 

that matches the rate of inflation in Toronto, the budget fulfills my campaign pledge to keep the annual property tax increase at or below the rate of inflation.

Beyond keeping taxes low, this budget freezes all TTC fares this year and invests in the Fair Fare Pass for low-income residents so transit remains affordable and 

accessible for everyone.

Improving Transit

I want every transit rider in this city to know that I am absolutely committed to improving and expanding the TTC so that their daily commute improves. 

That's why the 2018 budget invests in creating the Hop On-Hop Off transfer. This two-hour transfer will allow people on transit the flexibility to run 

errands or make stops along their way to work, school, or home for the cost of one fare.

The budget also invests $3 million in combatting overcrowding and continues the highly successful Kids Ride Free program.

We are continuing to push ahead with the King Street Pilot Project this year knowing that we have seen faster commute times for streetcar riders, 

more reliable service, and a 25% increase in ridership in the first two months.

 

Getting Toronto Moving

The budget invests more than $9 million to fight traffic on Toronto roads including $1.6 million to hire 16 traffic wardens, $477,000 for two additional 

quick clear squad shifts dedicated to fixing problems causing temporary lane blockages on the Gardiner and the DVP, and $2.7 million to buy more smart 

traffic signals to monitor the flow of traffic in real-time.

These are the kinds of common sense approaches to traffic and congestion management that Toronto residents expect of City Hall. We’re making steady progress 

to get Toronto moving and the 2018 budget continues to do just that.

A Liveable City

As our city grows and more people decide to have families here and move here, we need to make sure our rec programs keep up. The budget adds 20,000 new 

recreation spaces to the system so we reduce the number of families on the waiting list for programs.

The budget also invests in 1,515 new child care spaces and starts to reduce the cost of the highest child care fees by 4%. 

In response to unprecedented demand and record-breaking cold temperatures, the budget supports the creation of 1,000 new shelter beds as soon as possible 

to help the city's most vulnerable residents. 

Working For You

This budget strikes the right and responsible balance that our city needs to continue to grow but also remain affordable. I'm proud of the work Council 

and City staff have done to invest in the services that I know you want.

I love being the Mayor of this great city and I always appreciate your feedback so feel free to reach out at any time by email. 

I hope you and your family have a great week.

Sincerely,

John Tory

Mayor John Tory - Toronto, ON, Canada "