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City Council Approves 2004 Budget |
(appeared in Bayview Post, June, 2004)
After a marathon session, which ended after seven days of debate, Council approved a budget of $6,646 Billion for the city. This will mean a 3% increase in property tax rates and a tax rate increase of 1.5% on commercial, industrial and multi-residential properties. I am happy to report on the following issues of concern to the residents in Ward 25.
 Snow Clearing - Retained
This was a hotly debated item. My office received many calls requesting that the sidewalk snow clearing not be cancelled and I strongly recommended that this service not be cut. Mayor David Miller, demonstrating a great understanding of the issue, supported the continuation of sidewalk snow clearing. I am happy to report that $6 million has been approved to fund the clearing of driveway windrows, and $3.8 million to fund mechanical sidewalk snow clearing program on local roads.
This means that those who had sidewalk snow clearing last year will receive it again.
Toronto Police Service
Front-line policing levels of 5,260 have been maintained. The police budget for 2004 has increased to $679 million from $634 million - the City budget's single biggest line item. Some Councillors advocated that the City increase the police budget to acquire a helicopter for the force - but this did not pass.
Toronto Transit Commission
There will be no TTC fare increase in 2004, thanks largely to a $70 million provincial operating subsidy. As well, the possibly endangered Silver Hills bus route will continue to survive. While there remains a great need to address TTC infrastructure issues, the TTC should become a more attractive proposition for commuters as gasoline prices continue to rise.
Wheel-Trans has increased from $45.74 million to $50,518 million. Wheel-Trans operates a fleet of 139 large capacity buses and 73 accessible and 432 sedan taxis under contract to service 1.8 million riders in 2004.
Clean City/Beautiful City Campaign
$2.6 million has been budgeted for the Clean City/Beautiful City campaign that will clean up Toronto by placing additional resources into litter pick-up and prevention programs. Thank you to the many Ward 25 residents who pitched in to clean our streets and parks on Saturday, April 24. The ward and the city are measurably more beautiful.
Parking Charges in City Parks
The budget originally proposed to introduce parking charges in the City's regional parks - including Edward's Gardens and Sunnybrook Park. In my view, that would have discouraged use of the parks by the less advantaged and created a significant impediment to the many volunteers who operate the Toronto Botanical Gardens (formerly Civic Garden Centre). So I proposed an amendment to not introduce those parking charges. The amendment passed - with the proviso that we identify an
alternate source of funds. At press time, we are currently looking at changing the structure of selected parking fines. If such a proposal passes through City Council, at its May 18th meeting, we will maintain the accessibility of our large parks by avoiding the introduction of parking charges.
Finally, you are cordially reminded of the Ward 25 Environment Day on Saturday, June 5, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Toronto Parking Authority lot on Yonge Street south of Old York Mills Road. You can get free compost. You can also purchase a composter, a yard waste bin and other "green" items for modest amounts.
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