Toronto City Council City Council, 12 Feb 2018

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From YouTube: City Council - February 12, 2018 - Part 2 of 3 - Afternoon Session

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City Council, meeting 37, February 12, 2018 - Part 2 of 3 - Afternoon Session
Agenda and background materials:
http://app.toronto.ca/tmmis/decisionBodyProfile.do?function=doPrepare&meetingId=13089
Part 1 of 3 - Morning Session: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVNGg8a8dkg
Part 3 of 3 - Evening Session: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bel9Z1BQPA

Meeting Navigation:
0:04:49 - Meeting resume

A

Okay, members accounts all effect. If I can, please have you take your seats, this.

A

Meeting is now resumed members before the recess council was asking questions.

A

Of staff on item ix, 31.1 on the 2018 property tax rate and related matters, we.

A

Will not return to that item if we cannot put this list on the screen.

A

Counts there holiday. Thank you, madam speaker,.

B

I wondered if, through you to staff, specifically, I think the cfo. If someone.

B

Could help me understand the cost of the recommendation related to the creative.

B

Tax subclass. Well, I understand that there's we're giving essentially a 30%.

B

Discount for a specific category of taxpayer, yes, thank you for the questions.

C

Through the speaker, we've identified for you the implications of providing that.

C

30% discount and we've estimated it to be in the order of about 1.2 million.

C

Dollars: okay, how is eligibility determined for that.

C

So I'm going to suggest that either mike's animal or the mike williams.

C

Respond to that because they have authority over the tax design. The chair.

D

I can start actually there are criteria that are included in this report, similar.

E

To a municipal capital facility, the properties will be reviewed against the.

E

Criteria and will come to council for approval for inclusion in the class. Do.

B

We have other mechanisms which these same property tax holders might be.

B

Offered some protection or shelter I know I'll. Take no council just passed a.

B

10% cap on movements on property tax increases, I think that's the genesis of.

B

This there's some there's a select area. That's increasing some very aggressive.

B

Changes in their taxes and they're looking for some shelter on that.

B

Who threw the chair? Certainly, everyone is gets protection from capping and.

D

Those that are charitable organizations also get to charitable rebate. Okay, I.

B

Think this is mr. milton mr. williams or some of the staff from that.

B

Area, I'm going to assume that a lot of the organizations that would be eligible.

B

For the creative class tax, shelter would also be grant recipients or in some way.

B

Related with city programs that provide funding, that is correct. So could you.

B

Explain to me how the benefit of a tax cap gets incorporated into their.

B

Financial statements, their grant evaluation and the city's understanding.

B

Of their financial position through the chair, the eligible applicant, this tax.

F

Class will actually be property owners, so in many cases will not be recipients.

F

Of grants, they're tenants who determine their eligibility made themselves, be.

F

Recipients of grants, the property owners themselves will be assessed based on.

F

Their eligibility to be providing certain services, the city, seeks to.

F

Incent colocation of creative enterprises offering below market rent.

F

And public programming, so how do we know that the the savings and taxes get.

B

Passed on to the ultimately, the programs, as opposed to being caught up with the.

B

Landlords, if you recall that was part of the discussion, we had a council when we.

B

Were talking about the 10% backstops, if you will on property tax increases.

F

There's a number of obligations that are put on to eligible applicants for this.

F

To ensure that the savings are passed on effectively to the public, the first is.

F

That majority of their tenants will have to be on below average market rents, so.

F

That will be an ongoing element of their eligibility, ensuring that it's passed.

F

Through to the tenants- and there are also provisions around public.

F

Programming they will have to be able to provide, as in the case of a municipal.

F

Capital facility access to the public and certain specific cultural programs.

B

Is it possible that if not all of the tenants are at below market rent or are.

B

Within the target space that we're looking for that, there may be some.

B

Additional benefits: ie they've got some standard lease provisions. They've got.

B

Residential, you know any other mix inside the that co-located facility. It.

F

Is quite lengthy that many of the property owners who apply will have a.

F

Very different mix of tenants, one of the properties prospectively applying a 401.

F

Richmond, for example, brings together for-profit not-for-profit charity across.

F

A variety of sectors with the intention of the collective being stronger than.

F

The individual parts, so that includes for-profit, so to be more efficient. If, if.

B

It's our policy intent to actually provide some benefits to the nonprofit.

B

Sector the creative sector that are providing community benefit to the city.

B

Why not just go through the front door with a grant right? They've already got a.

B

Relationship with you and they've got rising costs. Why not just do it that way.

F

For two principal reasons, first, the province of ontario opened up the policy.

F

Conversation around and scenting such properties through the tax code. Secondly,.

F

We are, we have limited granting funds from which to serve a variety of policy.

F

Objectives in this case, the tax provision appeared to be complementary.

F

To what we do in granting, thank you. Thank you.

A

Count sur fraga dacus thanks, madame speaker and through you to stop. They can.

D

Determine who answers it? We have this. You discussed a number of times problems.

D

Arising out of the provinces, market value assessment regime in and how it.

D

Has hurt local businesses and arts organizations? I was wondering if we have.

D

Looked into this on the residential side, and by that I mean in the current.

D

Residential real estate market is market value assessment, making our property.

D

Taxes even less progressive than they were say three to five years ago,.

C

So through the speaker impact market value.

C

Assessment has been with us now for twenty years that was passed by the.

C

Province in 1998 and we've seen a tremendous amount of real estate.

C

Appreciation within the city of toronto over the last three four years and it's.

C

It's varied across neighborhoods across areas within the city, and it seems to me.

C

That, when initially it was introduced, the problems allowed the city to phase.

C

In increases on the residential sector that hasn't been done in about 15 years.

C

Or so, and so it may be a time where we revisit the potential for including some.

C

Form of mitigation measures of with respect to residential, okay, thanks very.

D

Much sir, no, it hasn't. When was the last time we took steps to.

D

Strengthen the property tax, deferral and other programs designed to make our.

D

Property tax system somewhat fairer and somewhat more progressive. Are you saying.

D

That was 15 years ago. So, if we're referring to the tax deferral program,.

C

That's offered to low-income seniors, I think that's been in place for some time.

C

The thresholds have been adjusted to account for inflation to keep keeping.

C

Pace with inflation and, in fact, there's a recommendation in in the report. That's.

C

Before you that codifies that to the cpi related to the city of toronto, the last.

G

Time we took steps to do that was what you're doing it now and then the last.

D

Time was last year's. I think it was three years ago that it was pegged to.

C

Inflation, yes, okay, generally, would you say that of the.

D

A vehicle registration tax is progressive, not the one that we used to.

D

Have here in the city of toronto, but generally so a vehicle registration tax.

C

Is a fixed amount levied against the ownership of vehicles and, to the extent.

C

That you know that's seen, as you know, it doesn't differentiate on the basis of.

C

Whether it's a luxury vehicle or a non luxury vehicle, so I'm not certain that.

C

It's entirely progressive. Okay, so are there measures that could be taken to.

H

Make a vehicle tax registration more progressive, like, for example, if you were.

D

To drive a hummer or you were to drive an electric vehicle you if we've had the.

H

Current regime in place they'd still pace each sixty dollars, but they're not.

D

Actually polluting the environment in the same way, so are there measures do.

D

You think that we could take that would make it more progressive. I think, subject.

C

To it, obviously a further review. My suggestion is that that is entirely.

C

Within the authority of city council to design that type of attacks, are you.

H

Aware if the provincial government has looked at making its vehicle.

D

Registration tax, more progressive or more supportive of environmental policy.

D

Initiatives, I'm not aware of that. Okay, has there been any review by the.

H

Provincial government, on the issue of progressive and fair taxes, and you nissl.

H

Revenue streams, be it taxes or fees in the province of ontario, so we've.

C

Received a request from executive committee to engage in extensive.

C

Consultations on on property, tax reform with the province and we'll be doing.

C

That we'll also be looking at potentially implementing a graduated tax.

C

Rate on on residential property- that is something that we don't currently have.

C

The legislative authority to do, but certainly we'll be engaged in.

C

Discussions with my counterparts at the province, okay, my last question is- is not.

D

One of the aims of our provincial and federal income tax regimes to have a.

I

Progressive tax regime- yes, I think, that's generally, the income tax act.

C

Provides for a progressive rate of taxation. Okay, thank you.

A

Thank you, counselor davis. Thank you through the speaker to our cfo. Could you.

J

Just remind us bridge, financing is what bridge financing is not for building.

J

Bridges as my god, it's it's to deal with interim measures.

C

To put in place to finance interim costs ending pending a more permanent solution.

J

So they are draws from reserve funds and one-time draws the various sorts right.

J

They're not permanent ongoing. Yes through the speaker, they are temporary.

C

In nature and this year, how much do we have in bridge financing in this budget.

J

I'm advised by miss la veta that it's 77 million 77 million. My calculation is.

J

That that would be about a 2.6 percent increase in taxes. If we were to cover.

J

The cost of those unsustainable financing mechanisms that we've used is.

J

That correct, I think the math is correct. Yes, so for that amount we could say no.

J

More drawing on, or we have not drawn in this budget on unsustainable sources.

C

First, yes, and wouldn't that be the better approach to building a.

J

Sustainable budget at the city of toronto, so I think over the course of.

C

The last decade, or so we've relied less on these one-time measures, so I think.

C

We've made considerable progress over the years, but certainly from a fiscal.

C

Accountability perspective, I think that would probably be the best course of.

C

Action, yes, thank you now. What is your much? Will that be again in your outlook.

J

For 2019, so three, madam speaker, as a result of these measures, we will see.

J

About 52 million showing up in 2019 and another 27 million in 2020 okay, so we.

J

Still will be carrying those for two years plus 2019 assumes the annualized.

J

Impact of other prior year decisions, so we are looking at impact from other.

J

Salary and benefit and inflationary factors and we're looking again at even.

J

With a transit increase and if we assume a 2.3 percent residential property tax.

J

For 2019, we will still have 303 million dollars as an opening pressure. Is that.

J

Accurate, yes, that's correct! So, instead of trying to prevent and.

J

Lowering that future pressure that keeps coming at us every year and actually.

J

Building a sustainable budget we're adding more to it. Well through you, madam.

J

Chair, I mean the components that are here before you in part are from these.

J

One-Time measures- it's also significant part, is from the operating impact of the.

J

Capital program that you that you're approving, as well as the ongoing costs.

J

Of doing business, so it's all components right. So every time we have to absorb.

J

Inflation with a zero percent base budget, we are absorbing those additional.

J

Costs so I understand there's a great deal of savings in this budget. I just.

J

Wanted to quickly ask about childcare if we were to have assumed the 20%.

J

Contribution that council committed to fund childcare this year to match.

J

Federal provincial contributions: what would that amount thee.

J

Eleven point: two million dollars, so we should have had eleven point: two million.

J

To meet our commitment, how much is in the budget? The eleven point, two million.

D

Is phased in over three years, with two million this year, there's two million.

J

This year and if we were to add two million, that tax increase or sorry if we.

J

Were to add nine point two, which is the difference? What would that? What would.

J

That be in a tax increase. Mr. cfo, I think you told me it was points yes.

C

Through the speaker last question, it's a third of one percent, roughly 0.32. Thank.

A

You councillor fletcher, thank you. Just have a couple of general questions and.

G

Previously, the province used to pay.

G

Fifty percent of the operating for the ttc.

G

When did that cease, I believe it ceased upon amalgamation, 1998 so 20 years ago,.

G

The anniversary of amalgamation, the province stopped paying the 50 percent.

G

Operating yes, would that have had an effect on the.

G

Fares that people pay that operating dollars, so certainly it has had an.

C

Impact on the municipal contribution towards the ttc we now fund a greater.

C

Share and I would suspect that it had had an impact on the fares as well, so it.

G

Does anybody have any idea what those fares rose right now fares are bringing.

G

In one point, two three nine billion dollars the ttc operating budget do have.

G

Any idea what the fares were over the last number of years or pre amalgamation.

G

Percentage of the budget might be a hard question. I hear these. These fares.

G

Represent a certain percentage of the overall budget in currently and about a.

G

Third, someone says so previously it was 1/2. Is that right, speaker, I'm gonna.

C

Suggest that the cfo for the ttc responds to the whole. Thank you very.

G

Much where is that traditionally, it would have been 68%. Sorry.

G

Traditionally tell me that full sentence what would have been 68 percent pre.

D

Amalgamation, 68 percent of it was covered by fares and where did the 50.

G

Percent of the operating from assist goal, so the subsidy was fit split. 50-50.

K

Between the province and city, so how much money have we then lost, or we.

G

Gained, but are they still paying? It looks like to me that we, I won't have.

D

The exact dollar of how much money we've lost, I can get a percent, and now it's a.

G

Hundred percent in the fares is that right, yeah! Yes, yes, I'm hearing no from a.

G

Commissioner, yes over there 74 percent now by fares, 74 percent by.

G

Fares and previously it was 68 yeah. You have any idea how much that is in.

G

Dollars today's dollars, we can get back to you with the numbers and then I'm.

G

Just looking at what every taxpayer pays- and that was a great slide by the way I.

G

Want to thank staff for page 24, which was great because it lays out your.

G

Average tax bill and then it shows you what you're paying for in numbers of.

G

Dollars so it appears to say that the ttc and my tax bill for my home, if I was.

G

Paying $3,000, basically $500 of that, will be going to the ttc.

G

Have I read that right, a speaker? Yes, that is in fact the case and in fact, if.

C

One was to allocate the debt charges by program area, the ttc would even attract.

C

More of the share of the tax burden- and I guess if I'm a toronto taxpayer.

G

Looking back over the last 20 years and I'd say well now I'm paying $500, I wonder what I would have been paying if the 50%.

G

Subsidy was still in place. Anybody want to take a stab at that. You know it's.

C

Really difficult to do the math on the fly, but it would probably be less so.

G

Maybe you could do the math after you sit down how's that I can get that.

G

Number that would be much appreciated, and then I just want to go back to tch.

G

See as well, there's a hundred and sixty eight hundred and seventy dollars in.

G

Each tax bill- and it looks like previously what percentage of the.

G

Portfolio is the ontario housing previous ontario housing for toronto.

G

Community housing through the chair, it's two thirds 2/3, oh you're. Over there.

G

Two thirds and in the past did the city pay anything towards that.

G

I haven't got somebody coming on that answer. Thank you on the ontario housing.

G

Portion so counselor, can you repeat your question, please that in the past for.

G

Ontario housing 20, I'm just going back to amalgamation, because people have been.

G

Having these little amalgamation parties and how great it is, so I just have to go.

G

Back and say prior to amalgamation, now we have 400 and 500. Sorry, this one is a.

G

Hundred and seventy dollars a year from my taxes go to support tch sea and that.

G

Includes the old stock, the ontario housing stock, how much of that was.

G

Covered in toronto, or any of this former municipalities, taxes before amalgamation,.

L

Before amalgamation, that would have been a provincial expense, so nothing and that.

G

Is two-thirds of the portfolio so would I be right to say that if the province.

G

Was still paying its fair share that our operating cost should be recovered by.

G

Two-Thirds from that was your last question, in fact, would be more than that.

L

Councillor so the nonprofit's, a coughs were provincially, funded or federally.

L

Funded as well, so that would be a you know if we didn't have to pay those.

E

Costs there'd be significant savings to the dock. Thank you. Thank you. We're going.

A

Into the second item actually counselor layton much madam speaker, I'm gonna keep.

M

Us on the first item, could I go to page 11 of the of the presentation and I'm.

M

Hoping to ask the city manager, because he mentioned that the province has been.

M

Impacted by the volatility of the ltte, and I'm wondering if you could just give.

M

Us examples of when and what were the market conditions under which that.

M

Happened. I'm sorry, madam speaker, 1990 and 2008.

N

Off the top of my head, sorry, 1990 and 2008, and what were the conditions that.

M

The housing market were in at those times, conditions were the entry into it.

N

Into recession, and that saw drop-off in prices and the volume of sales and.

M

Volume both yes, so are there any parallels between those two situations.

M

1990 and 2008 that we're experiencing right now. I know there was a recent.

M

Report that showed the volume was static. It was stagnant, but so I had the.

N

Privilege of being the ontario deputy of finance in 2008, and I can tell you that.

N

That the idea of actually forecasting the entry into recession is is silly. You.

N

Realize that once you're over the over the edge, there are precedent aspects.

N

About market volatility, a variety of other things, but they're they're kind of.

N

Part of a routine financial condition, and at some point it turns out that the.

N

Market has reversed, it is only obvious in retrospect, so you talk about forecast.

M

It's difficult to forecast for a recession. I can appreciate that the but.

M

We forecast for our assessment growth correct into next year, the year after.

M

The year after that, we do yes, how far out do we forecast? We rely on the years.

N

We rely on the numbers for an annual basis. Sorry, we rely we've forecasted for.

N

Two years out, but the budgets done on an annual basis. Okay, so we forecast for two.

M

Years, do we forecast anything else in that that factors into the revenue of.

M

Our budget, we actually don't have a fiscal structure that extends out beyond.

N

The pressure list for the first two years, but do we do we forecast any other.

M

And any other revenue sources out to two years say this is what we could probably.

M

Expect in 2020, when we do the pressure list? Yes, we do, but that's basically an.

N

Assumption, rather than a forecaster okay, so it's not a forecast, then so we're not.

M

Looking at any other mark conditions that might contribute to that's correct.

N

Yes, so is that so that's what happens with the ltte that.

N

With we do not have a model or a structure or a way of actually.

N

Forecasting land transfer tax we've made a policy decision to essentially hold it.

N

At the prior-year level, now, if, if the budget direction to the city manager in.

M

April may win it the the the the direction letter that came from counsel.

M

Yes, that said, hold us to 0% hold us to 0% in growth in in expenditures cut.

M

Bring back a budget that said we're gonna hold it to inflation. We didn't.

M

Give you balance it on the lt on of higher than average lt t. We said the.

M

Inflationary rate was what you're getting for for tax revenues that right.

N

That was what was behind the the motion and I understand it, but but the.

N

Direction was to come back with as close to knit or to come back with net zero.

N

And the city programs? Yes, so what if that line was deleted? Well, how would how.

M

Would the recommendation you're bringing here today in this item be different if.

M

It didn't include the direction to come back at an inflationary cost increase.

M

Would your decision have been to gobble it all up and and cover it all with a.

M

With an l tt and take from reserves, or would it have been to maintain our.

M

Reserves perhaps even invest in them and raise raise revenue. So I think that is a.

N

With respect, I think that is a policy question for city council and and your.

N

Treatment of land transfer tax and the assumption is, is obviously a matter for.

N

Debate here from one particular perspective it if we take away the land.

N

Transfer tax, it puts quite severe pressure. Approximately a hundred million.

N

Dollars that would require either a property tax increase or a reduction in.

N

Expenditure of that value, I'm gonna, get a visible will be my last question. I.

M

Guess, but on slide number 11, you said that there's a structural gap that.

M

Exists: do you think it's prudent for us to fill that structural gap or.

M

Wait until the next turbo counselor, I think that question prudence is is.

N

Actually up to two counsel, but obviously from a staff and a preliminary budget.

N

Standpoint staff did bring in the four hundred million dollars, preferring not.

N

To cut programs or or make that recommendation at that at that point, a.

N

Feeling that that would be something to address in year, if required, but staff.

N

Would not increase the rate of expenditure beyond what was supported by.

N

The preliminary budget, thank you counter. Shiner.

E

Thank you, madam speaker. Mr. frey, I asked you earlier if you're able to find out.

E

Values of homeless, because the average home value that we use for taxes is six.

E

Hundred and twenty four thousand do you know how many homes we have that are.

E

Under a million dollars and how many are over a million dollars through the.

C

Speaker, yes, in fact, I do have that information.

C

Six hundred and eighty thousand homes are valued at under a.

C

Million the balance approximately ninety six thousand are over sorry, six hundred.

E

And eighty thousand are under a million and only ninety six thousand are over a.

E

Million that is based on valuations as at january, 1st of 2016. Thank you.

E

Appreciate that in your presentation you show us the.

E

Total spending twenty ten versus twenty eighteen, twelve billion to 13 billion, do.

E

You know what it is from 2010 to 2014 and 2015 to 2018.

C

So that will require some time to gather, but certainly we can provide it. Thank.

E

You, the city, building, fund, 5% of residential.

E

Am I correct point: five percent of residential this city building fund is.

C

In fact, a half a percent applied against the residential tax, but it's less on.

E

Commercial and industrial classes, because we say they should be charged.

E

Less can we charge the same rate? No, we in fact, we cannot under provincial.

C

Regulation those classes are are shielded from a burden. That's in excess.

C

Of half a percent or 50 percent of the residential increase so to raise theirs.

E

We'd have to raise the residential portion, that's correct, yes, and the same.

E

Thing when it comes to multi res there's, zero, the multi residential tax class has.

C

Been shielded from any tax increases for 2018 rate of inflation. This year is.

C

According to the consumer price index for all goods in toronto, it's a two.

C

Point one percent rate of tax increase in residential homes is recommended in.

E

This budget, the budget, increases two point: one percent no recommended rate.

E

Increase on a residential home, the average home at six hundred and twenty.

E

Four thousand that was being twenty nine hundred. Are they going to go up by two.

E

Point one percent or an amount higher than that through the speaker as I.

C

Mentioned in in my presentation, there are other impacts beyond the budget.

C

Impacts what is and the rate impact is two point: nine percent. Okay, that's two.

E

Point nine percent instead of two point: one percent. So almost fifty percent.

E

Greater than inflation right 2.9, that's about 40% 40, 40 percent,.

E

Increase and then my last question is, and I don't know if mr. gardens here I.

E

Saw him there, he is, I put your time on hold till. He gets.

A

Here, where is he he's coming down the stairs in the plaid shirt? The tie.

E

Today I was teasing about that. He still looks good. I would like you to know my.

E

Fellow over here, counselor counselor pasternak is the one that have said that.

A

Ok here he is so, do you know how many affordable housing units were built in.

E

20 grachi constructed in 2017, it counts, heard through the chair that numbers.

D

Just over 300 sorry so 300 were built in 2017. Do you know how many in previous.

E

Years I can get that information for you counselor we're more built last year.

E

Which you suggest in previous years we're seeing an uptake in the number of.

D

Units that are being built a particularly as a result of the open.

O

Door program, but all that have actually been constructed is 300. You know how.

E

Many in the last three or four years have been constructed. I'm happy to get.

E

Those for you counselor. Ok! Thank you. That's my questions by the speaker. Thank.

A

You counts there chris ante. Thank you, madam.

O

Speaker so page 21 of the regardless of your.

O

Report or the presentation this morning, I just want to start off here on how we.

O

Arrived how you arrive as a 2.1% when I look at the consumer price index.

O

For toronto, it's at 1.9, when I look at the canada wide it's 1.9 and when you.

O

Isolate ontario on its own, its 1.5. So how did we arrive at the 2.1 and I.

O

Gather we're building from there with the 202 to a rate of actually 2.9.

O

Visible through that certainty, through the speaker, in fact, the year-over-year.

C

Increase in the consumer price index for toronto, all goods published by stat scan.

C

Is 2.1 percent? That's what we've relied on in terms of the budget levy increase.

C

That's before you, in addition to that, council has previously adopted a policy.

C

To increase the levy by 50 basis, points and half a percent, and that levy is.

C

Intended to fund key capital projects in the areas of transit and affordable.

C

Housing, social housing, in addition to that, there are cva, shifts current value.

C

Assessment shifts across property classes, as well as councils previously.

C

Adopted policy to reduce the commercial industrial tax rates over time to be a.

C

Little more competitive, so the cumulative impact of these measures.

C

Translates into a 2.9 percent residential impact, so you said the 2.1.

O

Was published by stats pan? Yes, I didn't see that.

O

So I'll just so that's good. I saw the 1.9 and I have it here, but so the.

C

Speaker, certainly, we could provide you with that introduced all right. So thank.

O

You and so you're so page 24 on looking at that.

O

Chart the toronto police service board budget is 682 million operating budget.

O

Is that correct, so once we allocate the average tax liability, if you will the.

C

Average homeowner would be contributing six hundred and eighty dollars on.

C

Average towards that service, okay- and that's the same as it was in 2016 in.

C

Fact, yes, the police budget has remained at a zero percent increase since the. If.

O

I could draw just a little bit into, though the the modernization the police.

O

Modernization program- that was that's happening right now, as we speak. How many.

O

Do you happen to know how many police officers have left the force since the.

O

Implementation of the plan why the impacts the budget so second item.

O

Because I have three or four questions belong. You should ask that in the second.

A

Item we're just talking about the tax rate, so I'll hold it for the next time.

O

All right, then I'll do that. Thank you. Thank you.

A

Mirek torrey thanks, madam speaker, I just have two or three things. I want to ask.

P

The staff well, first of all, can I just confirm on this discussion that was just.

P

Had a three, madam speaker with councilor basanti, that the use of the rate of.

P

Inflation you referred to by statistic: canada is entirely consistent with the.

P

Same rate of inflation that has been used to calculate or to measure as.

P

Against tax increases not only in this term of office, but I think I'm right.

P

Going back into the previous term of office- yes, that's absolutely correct! So.

P

There's a no change in there has been no change in methodology and where we're.

C

Really focused on getting the right number all right and that rate of.

P

Inflation, then, is 2.1 percent for this year, just to confirm that again, a dhatus.

C

I confirmed yes and that's based on statistics, candidate.

P

Information statistics, canada, all goods, city of toronto, okay and then the other.

P

Two adjustments that are made to the tax rate are to the tax bill, as it were, are.

P

Two things that have been approved explicitly by the city council with.

P

Respect to policy decisions in effect that the council has made previously.

C

Through the speaker, those two policy decisions, as well as.

C

The provincial decision to shield the multi residential tax class from any.

C

Increases and therefore it precipitates a shift on to the residential class.

P

Thank you now if we could just move on to what has been referred to variously.

P

As bridging or what are a one-time measures, first of all and I'll direct.

P

This to whoever would like to answer it, can I assume that bridging or one time.

P

At one time, measure would include, for example, well, it includes a reserved.

P

Rawls correct, that's correct all right and does it also include the.

P

Use of a prior year surplus, it does not. However, much depends on how we view a.

N

Reserve draw if we review it as a if we view the reserve draw as a rainy day.

N

Fund then we're hitting it relatively early if we view it as essentially a.

N

Down payment on on next year's expense, then then, it's consistent, so when in say.

P

2010 11 and 12, hundreds of millions of dollars were used to balance the budget.

P

From the prior year surplus, what would you call that, then? Would you call that.

P

Bridge financing, or would you call that a one-time payment or one-time measure.

P

What would you call that was, of course, one-time measures one-time measure, so it would fit under this definition? We hear so much about in terms of one-time.

P

Measures in those years, three hundred and forty three million three hundred.

P

Seventy two million and one hundred twenty four million respectively. It would be either one-time measures or or ecologies or reserves. And so, if we look.

P

Then at if we look then at this year's slide, number thirty-seven, which was very.

P

Helpful and you looked at 2015, where we had a total of 110 million of either.

P

One time measures or reserve drawers, it's it's set out there. What I be.

P

Correct in recalling that that was as high as it was that year, because we.

P

Chose as a council to spread out a provincial cutback that had been imposed.

P

Among other things and and amortized that effectively over a period of time,.

P

And that that's what's reflected in that higher number there, yes, and that.

N

Reduction had been announced by the province in 2013 and not addressed by the province of t by the city until 2015, okay and then. If we go to this year and.

P

I guess last year would I be right in reading this slide is saying that in 2017 it was a total of 92 million dollars from one one-time measures and.

P

And reserve drawers yes all right by the treatment of toronto. Community housing.

P

Alright and then, if we go to this year, where am I right in saying that same.

P

Slide has that number down from 92 million to 77 million, with with us a.

P

Budget that substantially increases services, but the bottom line on this slide is that numbers down to 77 million from last year, at 92 million and 2015 a.

P

Hundred and ten million yes and the only distinction being that we are choosing.

N

To lower the the stabilization fund and direct that towards increased services,.

P

Am I right in that regard when we talk about these stabilization funds being.

P

Lowered three, madam speaker, that in fact it's budgeted that it could go lower, but.

P

Our experience has been in most years that there's a surplus coming in, so that.

P

Those balances, don't in fact go down there they're allocated to potentially.

P

Go down if all the money were spent and there was no surplus, and I think this is.

N

The core distinction I'm trying to get at if we consider it as a hedge against.

N

Future tax loss we'd likely not draw it down at this point if we consider it as.

N

A pool of funds available to withdraw for current money, which is what to.

N

Withdraw and and get a head start on the 2018 budget. Then then it's consistent.

N

With that all right, just one more thing, the the figures that were referred to.

P

About the increase of operating budgets one year over the next going back in.

P

Time or whatever, am I right in saying that if you look at the sheets in fact,.

P

The increase in the budget over this four-year term, including this budget.

P

This year has been to the city, taxpayers, four hundred and fourteen million.

P

Dollars, that's the net number, because the gross number is, but it includes money. That's come in fact from other governments and from other taxpayers and so the actual cost of city taxpayers over that time. In the.

P

Range of a two to three percent increase per year has been four hundred and fourteen million dollars. That is, in fact the case. We always look at this from a.

C

Levy increase in terms of how much we love our residential taxpayers and in.

C

Fact the number is closer to four hundred million increase and just to.

N

Confirm, as I indicated in the opening presentation, that's very tight.

N

Management and gets a lot of productivity out of those out of those.

N

Dollars, thank you councillor crawford. Thank you, madam speaker. I guess this is.

Q

A question probably through the city manager recently a couple months ago, our.

Q

Rating agencies came out with a report and that's pretty much where what we pay.

Q

For our interest, can you talk to me? I've been standard, & poor's, specifically.

Q

Talked about our rating and which I believe was a double-a, but can you.

Q

Talk about some of the particulars that they mentioned about our fiscal health.

Q

Certainly we are, our debt is rated by the three credit rating agencies, sp db.

C

Rs and moody's, we have a double a+ rating, which is just one notch below.

C

Triple-A and the rationale behind the rating is that the credit rating.

C

Agencies view toronto as having a very diverse economy, good fiscal management.

C

We have high liquidity in the form of you know: significant reserves relatively.

C

Low debt per capita- and so these are all credit fundamentals that make it.

C

Attractive for bondholders to hold city of toronto bonds and invest in city of.

C

Toronto, that instruments so and when we have in a we've, been issuing debt based.

Q

On a certain policy of the city, we've been going out to issue that particular.

Q

Debt and, in fact, when we're going out to the bond markets, we've had a lot of.

Q

Success with that, and probably has a lot to do with with the ratings that we've.

Q

Received from standard and poor's and other agencies through the speaker, yes,.

C

Most definitely so, in fact, when one looks at our a cost of capital versus at.

C

Triple a entity such as, for example, the region appeal the difference between our.

C

Cost of capital and theirs is only about three basis points, and so you know that.

C

The markets that the capital markets futura on eliza as an excellent credit.

C

Quality, so when you're looking at a city of our size, in fact, you know, according.

Q

To the rating agencies, we're pretty strong fiscally in many respects is that.

Q

Correct yes, according to those independent rating agencies, that is the.

C

Case, thank you. Thank you, counts, they're crusty. I thank you. Madam.

L

Chair to our cfo, just a few questions to our cfo in the last 10 or 15 years,.

L

Whatever you know, how many times has our residential tax rate not being increased.

L

At the rate of inflation, in other words, how many times is it being increased below the rate of inflation? So my sense, my sense is that, although I don't have.

C

The statistics in front of me, my sense, is that it's you know it's. It's been the.

C

Norm to have it increase that, at or below the rate of inflation. Okay, in.

L

Previous years, I've asked our cfo rob rossini this question. Until I'll put it.

L

To you for our first year together is when adjusted to inflation over the last.

L

Ten years have our residential taxes gone up or down when adjusted to.

L

Inflation yeah, I think, up from a property tax based perspective. It's.

C

Likely that, in real terms, the tax liability has likely gone down and the.

C

Rationale behind that is because in 2009 we were afforded additional taxing.

C

Authorities, namely mlt t and so, and so that's made up the difference so just to.

L

Be clear on for residential property taxes, not lt tt on residential property.

L

Taxes when adjusted to inflation residents are paying less not more. In.

L

The last 10 years on a real basis, my sense is that that is likely. This case.

C

Okay, thank you very much deputy mayor menon wang. Yes, along those.

Q

Same lines, how long has the the mlt tea been in place, so city council.

C

Implemented the mlt tea, I believe in 2009, yes, okay, and so how many? How many.

Q

How many people have sold their homes over that period of time? I don't have.

C

That information in front is it for all those people that have sold their homes.

Q

They've actually paid more in taxes net because they have they've had to pay the.

Q

Mlt tea, so they've paid an excessive amount over in taxes. When you compare.

Q

That to just their property taxes, is that not is that not true? Oh, I think I.

C

Think mlt tea has in fact mitigated the impact. No, I get that somebody who has.

Q

Paid the mlt tea has paid more than their fair share of taxes to the city, so.

N

Mlt tea has an impact both on the residential, but also on the commercial.

N

Side as well, so it would be the businesses to have been paid more than.

Q

Their fair share, so it's not just businesses, it's businesses and residences. That is the nature of the mlt tea. Thank you very.

N

Much. Thank you. Okay! That's it for the questions will now go to the speakers.

A

Caster perks. Thank you, madam speaker, I'd like to begin by moving a motion that.

R

The city amend executive committee recommendation 6a by deleting 4 billion.

R

230, etcetera, 2.1 all those numbers with four point: two: eight six and all those.

R

Numbers and that the table in recommendation 6b respecting tax rates.

R

By be amended accordingly effectively, what this does is take the 2.9 overall.

R

Property tax increase and increase it to four point: zero: four net value to the.

R

City of toronto, of about fifty five points.

R

It would affect the other property classes by the same percentage that they.

R

Currently have and importantly, follow the provincial regulatory framework that.

R

Says that multi-unit residential residences apartment buildings stay at.

R

Zero percent increase speaker during the last eight years. I have been to budget.

R

Debate after budget debate, where the argument has been made over and over and.

R

Over again that we keep property taxes low so that the city of toronto will be.

R

Affordable and that, if we increase property taxes, it would not be.

R

Affordable my contention and I think the evidence is that that's absolutely 100.

R

Percent backwards, wrong upside-down and incorrect: let's just walk through what.

R

The effect of voting through month for my motion would be on a variety of.

R

People in toronto, first of all, if you're a tenant in the city of toronto, you're.

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Protected if my motion passes, you get a zero percent increase just like if my.

R

Motion doesn't pass, but what else happens to you? Well, we have more money.

R

Available for the services you depend on you're, a person who is a tenant and uses.

R

Childcare, we could use some of this money to benefit you if you're a person.

R

Who in toronto is a tenant and takes the ttc? We could use some of this money to.

R

Benefit you, in fact, if my motion passes the half of torontonians, who are tenants.

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Do better financially because childcare and transit cost money and if those.

R

Services aren't available, you have to do something even more expensive, get a car.

R

Rely on private childcare, which is more expensive when we spend public money. We.

R

Provide services, those services, save people money so for half the population.

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It would be a better thing to make the city affordable if we were to increase.

R

Property taxes, but it doesn't stop there. The argument is made sometimes that.

R

Within the home, owning population there's a vulnerable population that.

R

Would be hurt, that's the the famous seniors will lose their homes. Our.

R

There are two things we need to think about in terms of this. First of all, we.

R

Have a tax forgiveness and a tax deferral program? If you believe that the.

R

Level of property taxation in the city of toronto is putting seniors who are.

R

House, poor at risk, you know what you could do. You could take some of the 55.

R

Million dollars here and I would go along with you and use it- to move those.

R

Thresholds up so we protect even more seniors. That's an option available if.

R

Your real concern is protecting seniors if your real concern is making sure they.

R

Don't lose their homes, we should be enriching that program to protect more.

R

Of them, if you support my motion and put some of that money to that, you are doing.

R

A better job of protecting seniors than you are, if you vote for the budget, put.

R

Forward by executive committee, so increasing taxes would also protect that.

R

Group there are also an awful lot of people who are young families, first-time.

R

Homeowners they're struggling, I agree, they're absolutely are struggling. That's.

R

Why I was sure to ask mr. fogg, if any, if they had any evidence, memory of anything.

R

In their documents to say that anybody has lost their house as a result of.

R

Property tax increases in the city of toronto. They said two things: they said.

R

We have not foreclosed and I've looked at the kind of letter councillor.

R

Pasternak's talking about that's a notice, that's not a closed foreclosure.

R

We have not foreclosed. Secondly, as mr. fogg pointed out, you would be a lunatic.

R

To sell a $600,000 home to help you avoid paying an extra sixty dollars in.

R

Taxes a year which is about what my motion would do.

R

Five dollars a month, nobody is going to sell their home because they can't make.

R

Five dollars a month, their bank and they will work away through it. So those.

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People who are in that position, the reason they're struggling is because we.

R

Have the most expensive child care in the country they're struggling because.

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We can't afford to put more service on the ttc, so they're paying expensive.

R

Parking they're struggling because we don't offer enough recreation programs.

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Through the city programs, so they have to go to private recreation services.

R

If you want the city to be more affordable for three-quarters of.

R

Torontonians, you will support my motion. Thank you, ken thank you. Councillor, roger.

A

Mary claire, probably shouldn't believe I have a question speaker. Thank you. Three.

A

Minutes um through you, speaker have you indicated, or did I miss it.

K

How much per home that would be in terms of dollar amounts so for the average.

R

Homeowner, it would be roughly between 55 and 60 dollars a year, but it's important.

R

To remember, there is no such thing as the average homeowner if you're, if you.

R

Have a modest house: it will be less than that. If you have an expensive house, it.

R

Will be more than that, the thing about the property tax is it's a tax on how.

R

Much wealth you have so the more wealth you have in terms of real estate, the.

R

More, you would pay on an annual basis. Thank you. Councillor, ma'am aleady.

A

To speak speaker, so I'm going to move that the city council approve a 0% tax.

S

Increases increase for 2018 for all property tax classes. I should just post.

S

That up, because it's the same one today I try and move every year. Madam speaker.

S

I know you're gonna, you're gonna say that you've heard my speech a number of.

S

Times already this term of office, but someone needs to be repetitive because.

S

At the end of the day, we're just talking about the same thing all the time, and it.

S

Seems to be increasing taxes for people who can't afford it. It seems to be.

S

Increasing taxes and not getting the level of service to the people that pay.

S

For it they're upset, so someone needs to keep reminding everyone in the chamber.

S

That this is the sentiment out there, whether you want to believe it or not. We.

S

Keep hearing about it every election, but we keep doing the same things to the.

S

Taxpayer and gouge them every chance we get. This is an 11 billion dollar.

S

Lipstick on a pig of a budget, that's what this is. It hides the reality of.

S

What of what this is about? This is nothing but a budget that.

S

Increases staff increases the bureaucracy and delivers no extra.

S

Services to those that want to pay- and all you have to do is ask your.

S

Constituents, whether or not they think that a 4% increase, this is going to be.

S

About four percent increase in taxes and fees to every person that pays property.

S

Taxes and owns a home in this city, if you ask them whether or not they're.

S

Satisfied with the level of service that the city of toronto gives them and is.

S

Satisfied that they've had to pay almost 20 percent higher in property tax rates.

S

In four years that this that this administration has been put together.

S

They will tell you that they're not getting better service when it comes to.

S

Fixing their roads, they will tell you that they're not getting service when it.

S

Comes to their sidewalks and now uneven, it might be in front of their house and.

S

How difficult it is even to get someone to come and fix a particular slab of.

S

Concrete on one of those sidewalks they'll tell you that they don't want to.

S

Pay for things like a dog park, a poodle park in the city, a three billion dollar.

S

Poodle park, when they can't even get there their local parks fixed up their.

S

There their swing sets there they're there their slides there, their.

S

Playgrounds are all put on hold because we decided this is the type of budget.

S

That holds the priority and not community the community endeavors that.

S

People would like to see so for me. I stand up again and challenge everyone.

S

Who's voting in favor of this budget as to whether or not their constituents are.

S

Satisfied that they're having to pay five five percent more in their water.

S

Rates three percent more in their garbage rates, by the way, if the garbage.

S

Rates- I still don't know why we do this to people and pull the wool over their.

S

Eyes, people have paid for their garbage pickup forever and we hide it behind.

S

These feet they deserve their garbage pickup with.

S

Their property tax property taxes that they pay to the city, I'd like to.

S

Challenge so so much more I'd love for anyone here to tell me whether or not.

S

You believe that- and I you know I need this- I need to say this because we're.

S

Hearing it regularly, sales of homes are down, which means the city's not getting.

S

The taxes that they have they have, they have sold everybody on on these. On these.

S

Budgets over the last few years, when you start talking about us not knowing what.

S

The circumstances might be and whether or not the taxes that were used to are.

S

Going to be there this year and then to say that is council that will deal with.

S

It if, if we're not collecting the taxes that we think will be collecting when.

S

When the sales have come down, that's a reality and we know what's going to.

S

Happen this year, but at the same time we're trying to convince the public that.

S

Another 4% increase in property taxes is valid and justified. Why? Why are we lying.

S

To the people of the city of toronto, when it comes to these increases, why.

S

Can't we just tell them the truth, and why can't so? Those of you that want the.

S

Tax increases stand up and move your motions to increase property taxes where.

S

It should come from if that's where you want it to come from, why do we have to.

S

Hide it through all the rates and garbage rates and all of the things that.

S

Are there thank you. Ma'am led be honest with the people, a city of toronto.

A

Thank you, council, krusty, all right. Thank you, madam speaker, and I have a motion. If.

L

It can be placed on the screen and the motion which I'll speak to for my.

L

Comments today, specifically relates to the creative colocation facilities.

L

Subclass and the motion as you'll see first deals with the rate that is.

L

Ford from 30 to 50%, with a report back in the second, is a technical amendment.

L

From staff on some of the details related to eligibility and I'll speak to.

L

These now, I guess, first of all, what I would note is this piece of work around.

L

The creative collocations facilities subclass- this has been 18 months in the.

L

Works, it is the fourth and final time we, as a council will deal with this matter.

L

And we're dealing with it today, because it is the final piece of the puzzle.

L

Before it goes to the province for regulatory approval and there's been a.

L

Tremendous amount of work done not just on this floor of council, but by city.

L

Staff and I want to single out and recognize joe for ag and his team as.

L

Well, as mike williams and patrick tobin and all of the folks at edc, last or two.

L

Weeks ago, at city council, we dealt with tax, capping related to small businesses.

L

And we talked then, as we talk about now with the subclass about a fundamentally.

L

Flawed provincial assessment model, a fundamentally flawed model based on.

L

Current value assessment and highest and best use that employs a cookie cutter.

L

Approach to a city that is not all the same, a cookie cutter approach where 401.

L

Richmond is assessed on the basis of being a gap in a starbucks where arts.

L

Cate and many of their facilities are assessed on the basis of being condos.

L

Where the center for social innovation is considered in the context as a.

L

Commercial mall: these are facilities that are not assessed and then taxed on.

L

The basis of what they are and how they contribute to the innovative economy.

L

That is our city, but rather what they could be if they were simply sold and.

L

Used off for the most value for money on the basis of highest and best use.

L

And so these rising property values and the rising real estate market we've.

L

Talked about all day in regards to the ltte, it's having a corresponding.

L

Negative impact on by driving creative industries, creative industries out of.

L

Our city- and this is a problem not just because the absence of arts and culture.

L

Makes an unlivable city that arts and culture is not a nice to have that is.

L

Certainly, a negative implication, but more broadly, this hurts the economy.

L

That when we hear about the creative economy, when we hear about the.

L

Innovative economy- that is what we're talking about here. That is what richard.

L

Florida spoke of, but it's also what jane jacobs spoke of it's about the notion.

L

That 21st century cities are driven by the creative economy that that's, where.

L

We incubate ideas, that's the type of urban core and the type of dynamic that.

L

The amazon's of this world want to be attracted to it's. What drives growth and.

L

So therefore it is time to act. The 50 percent up from 30% will ensure that.

L

Organizations in the future, like 401 and artscape, not only are here.

L

To stay but they're here to thrive, it will also ensure that we provide.

L

Incentives for other creative and innovative colocation facilities to.

L

Arrive- and this is because taxes at the end of the day are are more than simply.

L

A tool for collecting revenue, they are a tool for city building and thus the.

L

Cookie cutter approach does not work for city building. This sub class will work.

L

It will allow us to build a livable city and I've been very pleased and written.

L

Over the last work to work closely with our budget chief counselor crawford as.

L

Well, as the mayor's office to arrive, I believe at a rate that will allow our.

L

Arts and cultural and innovative hubs to thrive as michael thompson. Our chair of.

L

Edc will continue to make the message to bring more of them to this city. Thank.

L

You very much thank you. Councillor fletcher clarification of the.

A

Motion three minutes: yes, I'm just very supportive, just making sure that when.

G

You're making this motion that you are thinking about into the future, so.

G

Establishing these types of critical economic drivers for the arts, in other.

G

Parts of the city, not simply looking after the problems that have been.

G

Created in basically in the west end yeah, if I could speak to another area of.

L

The city in the distillery, for example, artscape distillery in the last.

L

Assessment period, two other taxes go up assessed at one hundred and nine percent.

L

Increase and so if we were to have a simply 30 percent rate reduction, while.

L

That would provide a lifeline today. It would be wiped out in another assessment.

L

Cycle and so the rationale for looking at a measured and I think, responsible.

L

Increase to 50 percent will allow those organizations across the city to thrive.

L

And survive, but also with the report back, will, I think, allow us to look at.

L

Ensuring in the future, we get the right rate, the the correct rate, to allow more.

L

Organizations to be part of this- I guess we're just looking at once that exists.

G

Currently, but if we were looking into the future and looking further west or.

G

Looking further east into scarborough or councillor burnside, and I were talking.

G

About thorn cliff park or unilever site that we have it, we have an instrument in.

G

Our hands that would make it more attractive to establish these types of.

G

Really critical cultural hubs in the city, I think that's an excellent point.

L

If we were looking at a community revitalization, whether it's in thorn.

L

Player and weston that the financial incentive to create a creative hub, a.

L

Creative colocation facility exists because if we didn't implement this at a.

L

Proper rate, the next time we go through a revitalization in the north or the.

L

East or the west of the city you're more likely to see them go with what would.

L

Otherwise be the highest and best use, and that could just be more condoms and.

G

So have you had this conversation with mr. williams about the establishment of.

G

These types of creative hubs in other locations, not simply solving the current.

G

Problem but looking actually looking into the future yeah.

L

And so chair of edc, mr. williams has been active on this file. Well, I said edc.

L

Sorry, our gm sorry tell councillor thompson, you just go sure you just.

L

Someone got approached said, someone got a demotion and I think it's the.

L

Important point- and this is the report- speaks to which mr. williams authored.

L

That the intention of this is not simply to protect the 17 or 18 organizations.

L

That currently exist, but rather to create a financial model that will allow.

L

The future creative hubs to also arrive and flourish. Thank you.

A

Thank you councillor, clarification of the motion. Thank you, madam speaker, and.

E

I've been supportive of trying to be sure that we don't tax art organizations.

E

Out of their locations, however, you said: there's 17 or 18 organizations like.

E

Guard skaters, how many are in the downtown of the so patrick tobin in.

L

Economic development, culture has a list that can be provided. I don't have the.

L

Exact numbers of how many are downtown, I in the three wards in the core verse.

L

Outside of that, but there are about 17 organizations across the city that I'm.

L

Told would qualify under this eligibility criteria. I saw the artscape.

E

List most of them are downtown or more in the core of the old city of toronto.

E

And I correct in my assumption those are the organization's I so there are.

L

Organizations such as the akin collective, which is located in in.

L

Scarborough that I understand is on the list. I don't have the full rundown of.

L

All 17 organizations, but I know our staff in economic development culture- do.

E

Follow us on the questions that my colleague councillor fletcher, had.

E

Councillor burnside, because we know that property values are escalating in.

E

Particular in areas of high interest in the downtown core and parts of old.

E

Toronto and in areas like that, and we see the art organizations that were in.

E

Those locations for many years and now they're of much higher value and some.

E

Are being still held for development purposes, even though we're looking at.

E

Reducing the tax rate while they're there.

E

But by reducing the tax rate, while they're there.

E

Impacts the fact that maybe they would want to move out to scarborough or out.

E

To etobicoke or out two counts or burnside's area, where there's an awful.

E

Lot of vacant space out there that could be used for the same thing. So I'm.

E

Wondering really about well, I understand the benefit of the individual groups, the.

E

Impact that it has in not allowing the shift to less expensive space of these.

E

Art organizations around the entire city and the fact that it's going to probably.

E

Keep them more in their current locations or so or in the downtown area.

E

So it's clarification of the motion. I guess I would say that I don't view this.

L

As a zero-sum game, which is as you as you explain, that by driving.

L

Organizations out of the downtown, that is to the benefit of areas outside of.

L

The downtown- rather I see this as when you create an effective subclass for.

L

Creative hubs that will seek to incentivize creative hubs across the.

L

City- I don't see this as one of the other, rather the intent of this motion.

L

Is to make them viable in all areas, regardless of the property values ooh in.

E

Clarification of my motion, where did I say, was a zero-sum game. I was simply.

E

Asking the fact that you're going to be taking the more expensive properties are.

E

You not and then having those properties for the lowing tax rate, so it d.

E

Incentivizes organizations that may move out to other areas and spread the good.

E

Work they do that other areas across the city, all right again, the as the staff.

L

Report explained the intention of a subclass is to allow organizations that.

L

Exist today to continue to exist, while also creating a financial incentive for.

L

Other creative hubs to arrive and come to new areas, and so I don't believe that.

L

We should be running a city whereby we encourage organizations to be priced out.

L

Of the market, in the hope, they'll go elsewhere; rather, we create a level playing field where everybody can exist and operate successfully, whether in.

L

Scarborough north york, you now sir thompson clarification.

A

Thank you for watching speak earth through you to cancer crises, so council.

E

Crest c 401 richmond the impact assessment, created a huge challenge for.

E

That particular facility yeah 401 richmond, an organization located on.

L

Richmond with 159 tenants provides below market rent and they provide below.

L

Market rent in order to allow that colocation facilities with all the.

L

Different tenants to thrive with the increase in assessment, they told us as.

L

We've heard from other organizations like artscape that they were going to have to sell and leave right unless we acted, and so this is that action. That's.

E

Necessary that is going to be broad enough to ensure that, as the city.

E

Evolves and grows that there will be an instrument in place to a tool to allow.

E

Organizations like this interview, their kool-aid collocations or such that's.

L

Correct this, this provides a financial means for organizations that provide.

L

Below market rent opportunities in a colocation facility to continue to exist.

L

And I spoke just today with the president of artscape and the owner of.

L

401 richmond, who confirmed that at 50% they can do that, but it also creates.

L

Them all the where others can arrive, because they have the certainty of what.

L

The assessment model is going to be right. I know in your remarks. I think you.

E

Made the comments about the province, it doesn't stay here in the motion itself.

E

But you are aware that we're not making a final decision here today. It is really.

E

More instructive that the province will actually hopefully make the appropriate.

E

Changes to allow for this 50% yeah, so in september of 2017, minister sousa wrote a.

L

Letter to the mayor and council stating that if council chose to implement a.

L

Rate reduction and put in place criteria that they would adopt the regulatory.

L

Changes by virtue of the signing of a pen to allow that to go forward the.

L

Motion that was passed in december of 2017 established the policy criteria and.

L

The core eligibility, what we're doing today is putting the rate forward.

L

Building on what minister sousa stated in september of 2017, it is my.

L

Understanding that pen will go to to enact this into law through a.

L

Regulatory change. Thank you speaker. Thank you, can suppress e hey thank.

A

Pasternak clarification of the motion through you, I'm sorry. I didn't catch. How.

P

Much this is going to cost sure so, at the at the 30 percent rate, there is a.

L

1.2 million dollar revenue neutral impact at the 50 percent. That is a 1.6.

L

Million revenue neutral, it is revenue neutral because as a subclass, the city.

L

Still collects the same 1.6 million dollars, but those 1.6 million as a.

L

Subclass is then distributed across the forty forty thousand forty thousand and.

L

Seven, commercial properties, so it is revenue neutral and it is a large ocean.

L

With a small ripple across forty thousand plus commercial bodies, now I've.

P

Read a fair amount about enterprise zones where you have you have.

P

Geographical boundaries, where, if you set up and build you, have to meet certain.

P

Criteria and then you get the tax break based on those conditions. Does that.

P

Apply to this I so this is a specific subclass within the commercial tax.

L

Bracket, it is intended to provide certainty under the current assessment.

L

Model, as I think counselor holiday, illustrated, I think quite well in his.

L

Questions there are different ways of approaching this, whether it's on the grant side or trying to deal with it at the source side on the tax class. We have.

L

Chosen over the last five council decisions in two years to address it on.

L

The subclass side- and this is the final step in that. So if we have a.

P

Regeneration area could we could we declare it a creative enterprise zone.

P

And any any arts, group or arts organization that wants to construct.

P

Within the regeneration area would be eligible for this break.

L

So the eligibility criteria within the subclass is outlined within this. That.

L

You have to provide below market rent that 51% of the tenants have to be.

L

Creative industries with the definition of it, but there have to be a minimum of.

L

Five tenants that you have to have a maximum size of 10,000 square feet or 5,000. If you have more than 40 tenants, though,.

L

Those are the specific eligibility criteria for this subclass, as it relates.

L

To zoning and those measures I'd refer to city planning. Thank you. Okay. Thank.

A

You councillor layton to speak. Yes, thank you.

M

Very much, madam speaker, I have a motion. The city council amend, executive.

M

Committee recommendation 6a by deleting four four billion two hundred and thirty.

M

Million two point: one percent one point: zero five percent in 0.7% and replacing.

M

Them with four point, two: five: four billion 2.9% 1.45% and point nine six.

M

Percent, so that the recommendation now reads as follows, and this is essentially.

M

Raising the residential tax rate to two point: nine percent, rather than the the.

M

Rate proposed by executive essentially raising us two point. Twenty three point.

M

Four million additional operating dollars that at a cost of a dollar.

M

Eighty, a month to the average home average homeowner, this would allow us to.

M

Pay for things like the eleven point, two million dollars in child care- that is.

M

Not getting funded in this budget like the three point, two million dollars to.

M

The ttc that's not getting funded that we need to start putting into would.

M

Allow us to fund the parks, ambassador programs and would give us a little bit.

M

Of additional space to either pay for additional additional capital into our.

M

Housing put into our tax stabilization funds or reserve so that we're not.

M

Drawing on more reserves- and we should be this year and in fact putting us on.

M

More solid footing, as our city manager had suggested I'd like to thank.

M

Counselor counselor cressy for putting forward that motion that will now.

M

Capture more organizations in the city that will help us ensure the creative.

M

Future, our city, I will be supportive of that motion I'll, be quite frankly,.

M

Supportive of councilor perks motion, but in the event that that fails, we.

M

I think that we can all look at this as being a reasonable compromise to.

M

Continue to fund the pieces of the budget that we want to fund the.

M

Priorities that we have as a shared council in transit and childcare and.

M

Other things, and and and and not leave people further behind in this budget. I.

M

Wanted to make one a just quick point if I may, because I believe that mara tory.

M

In his speech at executive on, goldilocks is famous goldilocks speech. In fact,.

M

Missed the key point of that parable, it wasn't just right: goldilocks was not in.

M

The right when she did what she did, I think, a more apt parable and I have to a.

M

One and and I so I read a lot of these stories to my daughter's my daughter's.

M

Right so there are a lot of the mine. The three little pigs come to mind because.

M

Rather than investing in a solid foundation and the brick walls of a.

M

Strong house that can withstand any wind of the economy or other levels of.

M

Government we've decided to build the straw house to build the unsustainable.

M

House to go halfway on some of these measures to investing in a really strong.

M

City, we're not putting the money that we promised into childcare. We're not.

M

Addressing the issues of housing in our in our in our backlog, we're not.

M

Addressing the the issues with overcrowding, the tt-33 ttc and where we.

M

Chose to get the money to go halfway was from reserves further mortgaging away.

M

The future of our next generation of the next council and subsequent councils, let.

M

Us learn the lesson that those three pigs did and that you need to build a.

M

Strong foundation, I'm going to borrow from another another story, just very.

M

Quickly because the tortoise and the hare is actually a really neat story, its.

M

Foundation and it it's message actually comes from, and I.

M

Was some help from my colleague counselor perks from something called the cricket and the aunt the cricket spent its days dancing and singing in.

M

The summer spending its time trying to impress others essentially when the aunt.

M

Spent his time, gathering food and storing it away and when the nevitt ibly.

M

That winter came as it does when, inevitably that winter came that cricket.

M

Went to that aunt and said: I need food. I've got nothing.

M

I've got nothing, can you share it with me and that aunt actually took him took.

M

A different lesson, not one we should take but said no, you should go out and and and and dance this winter and actually.

M

Sent him away that story of the tortoise and the hare, the cricket and the aunt.

M

The three little pigs should teach us. Something should teach us that it's more.

M

Important to invest in full measures, not half measures and our mayor should.

M

Remember that the real lesson in goldilocks is don't get caught, sleeping.

M

On the job is that your last fable, counselor late, that is counselor oh gee,.

I

Mary, are you ready do you have any aesop's fables you'd like to share with.

I

Us it's esau. Okay, start my time. Okay, your time has started to think.

I

Ankle surgery marry a speaker I I was working. I was working really hard on a.

K

Motion to present- and I understand that I can't present it because of the way.

K

Council voted this morning to deal with the budget. It's so I I'll just talk.

K

About my concerns, my concern is that services in this city are really in for.

K

A freefall, my residential streets, the streets that are not arterial roads, have.

K

To wait until the snow is at 8 centimeters before they are plowed used.

K

To be 5, then 6, it's now up to 8 they don't they don't want to do that. The.

K

Residents are complaining that that's a disservice to them, so, instead of.

K

Providing increase in services, we are providing disservice to residents and.

K

That's what my motion was going to be about trying to put back that money to a.

K

Five centimeter level, so I wanted to talk about snow service generally, we get.

K

Windrow treatment in in north york, not window treatment, windrow treatment do.

K

You know that the plows, with a second arm that come to the north north york.

K

Wards that get wind road clearing are supposed to clear the windrow.

K

But for one car, the equivalent for one car parking, many of our houses have.

K

Two-Car parking drive driveways, they lift the arm and do not and do not.

K

Continue on with the windrow clearing with that arm, that's already out for.

K

That second spot, these are things that provide disservice. These are things that.

K

Are insulting: let's leave that for a minute and go to recreation programs and.

K

Community services, many many years ago, I was a proponent of moving. Those two.

K

Services, if you'll remember madam chair and making them report to the same.

K

Committee and grouping grouping community development and recreation.

K

Together because at the time I thought- and I think rightly so- that recreation.

K

For a city like toronto, with so many of its inner neighborhoods and meeting.

K

Neighborhoods isn't about private or semi-private tennis, lessons, recreation.

K

Is about helping to get kids on a more even playing field to help that playing.

K

Field level out between the haves and the have-nots and that's what true 21st.

K

Century city recreation should be, do we have enough know? We have people.

K

Scrambling we have moms mainly scrambling to get onto programs that.

K

Their kids would really benefit from. I took a look at this private. You may be.

K

You may be interested in this in this private pamphlet that lists costs of.

K

Private recreation services- and it's called our kids flip through it. You see.

K

What the private sector gives kids camps for a week for $1,500 $2,000. I don't.

K

Need to tell you this is what our kids are competing with. You take a look at.

K

Some of our communities, you take a look at jane shepherd, one of my favorite.

K

Communities, these kids, don't have a hope. They don't even have a local community.

K

Center never mind competing with kids, who can or whose.

K

Families can afford to send them to these camps. We have such an inequity in.

K

The city such an inequity in housing in education, in jobless rate, oftentimes.

K

That you shape that shapes many of the economic development, the planning the.

K

Recreation, the poverty that needs in the city- you know the u-shape, I'm talking.

K

About it, begins in in a northern etobicoke, runs down and and ends up in.

K

Scarborough of malvern that you shape is the shape of our economics of our.

K

Housing of our race relations of our poverty, that's what the city has become.

K

It's so easy to my residents can't swallow another 1%.

K

Property tax increase 1%, it's so easy. This is an election year. That's what's.

K

Going through my mind, that's what's going through other people's minds, and I understand that it's about reelection this year and I understand that. However,.

K

The problems in the city are so insidious and they come out when we talk.

K

About student nutrition programs, you know in 99 percent of my schools: have it.

K

Because they need it because the kids aren't getting fed or security in our.

K

Libraries, we had a mayor here once who said who said: oh, why do billy and janie.

K

Need security at their library. I have incidents every day at one of my.

K

Libraries every day have two security guards. So if you're looking at the real.

I

City. Thank you. If you're looking at the real city look at the real needs, thank.

K

You thank you counselor councillor campbell. Could I get the microphone just.

I

A yeah audio-visual has you started out. You.

I

Want to try your mic here. You go good, so councillor layton alluded to a fairy.

O

Tale that was, I think, appropriate. I don't have any fairy tale a particular.

O

Fairy tale in mind, my kids are too old for that, but you know I'm a little bit.

O

Concerned about where, where our finances are going, I mean this is a. This is a.

O

Very this has been a very easy budget year, but you know the easy times are not.

O

Going to be ahead of us, we are adding, we have, we have gained a.

O

Hundred and seventy million dollars in spending room in the last two years.

O

Thanks to the municipal land transfer tax, we have added 53 million dollars in.

O

Additional spending this year through this budget in new and enhanced there.

O

Have been some savings, there's been some cuts and some reductions and some.

O

Shifting or out of money but we're adding another 400 staff and another 53.

O

Million dollars in spending some of that spending is warranted, but some.

O

That's pending, I would classify as want to have, rather than need to have each.

O

Year we had death. This is the dead issuance over the last little while and.

O

Into the into the future, every year we add our debt and- and we seem to have- I.

O

Think a false sense of security about the 15%. You know a debt level, but every.

O

Year, we are paying more and more in debt service charges as a little strain right.

O

Here, our debt service charges, our debt service charges in 2011 were 382 million.

O

In 2018, it'll be 569 million by 2021. Our debt service charge will almost equal.

O

Our subsidy to the ttc, it's already the third highest expenditure on our budget.

O

And up up and away till it hits eight hundred million dollars and it exceeds.

O

The ttc subsidy we're adding a we've added a number of things this year that.

O

Some people will say are are essential, we're adding the time-based transfer.

O

We're adding the fare equity, which is fair for people who are of low income.

O

And need to get around, I don't have any problem with that.

O

I think the 2-hour transfer. This wasn't the right time for the two-hour transfer.

O

And you know, I sat through a number of budget meetings and we didn't have. I.

O

Didn't have anybody come to us and say we need more money for culture in the.

O

Arts they told us how great it was to have the money for culture in the arts. I.

O

Didn't have anybody in three and three deputations come and say we need more.

O

Money for student nutrition, but we're giving more money for student nutrition.

O

Whether that's needed or not so when extra four billion dollars is.

O

Going to is going to a culture, an extra for an extra or four million dollar to.

O

Culture, student, nutrition, in addition to just two other measures in the budget.

O

That, I think maybe could have been put off for a later date. My concern my.

O

Concern is this rising debt level and eventually.

O

If the goose that's laid, the golden egg, which is the municipal land transfer tax,.

O

Tanks and last month, jobs were down in ontario and across canada.

O

There were job losses, the real estate market was down.

O

Apparently 20%, I know you can't you can't do forecasting based on one month.

O

But if that goes into february and into march and into april and in the may and.

O

In a june, we're gonna have some very tough decisions to make we're not making.

O

Them now we're adding because times are good, but when times turn the other way.

O

We just had a we had a we had an awful market last week, we'll see where it goes.

O

This week, but we know from the last 2008 when the market crashed people stopped.

O

Buying they stopped spending money, they they stopped getting their dividends.

O

They're not rich anymore, and they don't buy if the market goes down. If the real.

O

Estate market goes down. City council is going to have a day of reckoning that.

O

It's going to have to deal with and either taxes are going to have to go up.

O

Or spending is going to have to go down. Thank you, madam speaker.

H

Thank you counts their posture knack to speak.

P

Thank you. Thank you, madam speaker. I'd like to focus on the rate, because I.

P

Think that's! What's before us! I've heard a lot of other things. I'd like to finish.

P

The reading for councillor perks of the letter, one of my constituents received.

P

Who fell on hard times? Because of increasing tax rates and among other.

P

Issues in accordance with, and I won't reveal any confidential information.

P

It's a generative generic letter in accordance with the city of toronto act.

P

2006 should taxes and related costs remain unpaid and no extension agreement.

P

Has been entered into one year from the date of the registration of the tax.

P

Arrears certificate: the municipality is required to dispose of the land in order.

P

To recover the death sale, the land can be completed by public auction or tender.

P

Can you imagine getting a letter like that?

P

Can you imagine falling on hard times increasing the tax rate is not the.

P

Answer we have heard from the people of toronto.

P

When we send out the tax bills, we enclose within the envelope an option to.

P

Pay more and look they don't they pay thirty thousand dollars across the city.

P

In in additional voluntary tax increases- and we cannot take this out on the.

P

Seniors who are on fixed incomes, who want to stay in their home? We want to.

P

Stay in place aging, it's part of our philosophy. It's part of the toronto.

P

Senior strategy: we want to make sure that young people can settle here and.

P

Own a home and not be taxed out, they can talk about $60 a month or five dollars a.

P

Month or two dollars a week or whatever, but what they're not calculating as many.

P

Of the other expenses that are already on the family household and this.

P

Includes exorbitant mortgages, this includes daycare. This includes.

P

Maintaining a household and includes various activities that a household.

P

Participates in and it could include food when all is said and done. The last.

P

Thing working families need in this city for government officials to raise the.

P

Tax rate, above the rate, inflation, I think the big discussion.

P

Here in the backstory to what we're talking about here is what happened to.

P

Us this past year, this council supported road tolls, which is an indirect taxation.

P

Which is based on collecting revenue from those who use the gardener and the.

P

And the don valley parkway, and we showed the political will to accept that and.

P

That would have been that would have started off at one hundred and forty million, but it would have probably gone up to three or four hundred million over.

P

A number of years it's a common common method for raising tax for.

P

Infrastructure in europe and across the united states and quite frankly, we were.

P

Let down by the provincial government, I would say that, if we're short of cash.

P

That gore burke should take his his his complaints to queens park and say that.

P

They they really reneged on a promise that we had that we don't have the tools.

P

We need for indirect taxation to make sure we can make ends meet the other.

P

Thing is we finally got a hospitality tax on our hotels, but it comes with a.

P

Big catch, the first eighteen millions we collect have to go to tourism toronto, to.

P

Backstop multinational hotel corporations, which is which is most.

P

Upsetting but that being said, I don't think we could support above and rate.

P

Above the rate of inflation tax increases, it takes it out on seniors. It.

P

Takes it out on young families, and it makes the city increasingly unaffordable.

A

Thank you, coughs, irma havok. Thank you very much. I.

T

Thought I would make some comments at this point on the tax rate and iii make.

T

Them not not imagining that we're actually going to change the tax rate.

T

But really to begin or to push a conversation given that one. This is an.

T

Election year and b, we're heading into a new a four year four year term, you know.

T

I think um well perhaps we could forgive people who make promises of freezing.

T

Taxes or going to zero mayor last 'men made such a promise mayor mccallion made.

T

Such a promise, and then the term after that they actually went in a completely.

T

Different direction! Why? Because they they had to at the end of the day.

T

Pushing a tax freeze or a tax rate that isn't actually our inflation rate, but is.

T

Lower than our inflation rate, as shown by staff, it's not something that we can.

T

Sustain as a city, you know I-I've been around a few years and frankly, I can't.

T

Remember the last time we asked to have to come in with a budget that takes into.

T

Account real departmental inflation. It's always been 0, a minus 5, a minus 2. I've.

T

Never seen it be a plus, never seen it be a plus. Now you could do that for one.

T

Year, you can do it for two years. You might be able to do it for five years.

T

But you can't do it for 20 years. You can't do it from the early 1990s, which.

T

Is how long we've been doing it frankly across metro toronto, so we're in a.

T

Situation now, where you know what our reserves are depleting, our corporate.

T

Culture feels frozen, and so the kinds of creative things that require initial.

T

Investments are very hard to come by because our departments are feeling that.

T

They can't they can't venture into new areas, because there just isn't the money.

T

And really, the biggest thing is, is that we.

T

Can't meet the challenges of today and tomorrow and I'd say the two big buckets.

T

There are housing, we have not a hundred million dollar problem, but we have a.

T

Multi-Billion dollar problem and on public transit we have a multi-billion.

T

Dollar problem as well- and you know it's not just those of us on in political.

T

Life that are seeing it- that was what joe penna chetty when he's when he was a.

T

Cfo and the city manager said that was when rob rossini said when he was a cfo.

T

That's what cam weldon said when he was the cfo and if I'm interpreting the.

T

Clues right from our current city manager and cfo, they are saying it as.

T

Well that this we are not on a sustainable plan, so what we need like if.

T

I had a magic wand and I could do it. I would say you know what we need. A 1%.

T

Property tax increase just for housing for the next four years.

T

So, let's start in the next terminal council said over four years. That would.

T

Raise this 120 million dollars, then I would take that hundred twenty million.

T

Dollars on the housing front and I'd go to the province and say you match us.

T

Give us 120 million dollars and then we go to the federal government say we want.

T

You to match us as well and then I'd go to the private sector and the faith.

T

Communities and the social service agencies and say how about you put in.

T

Five percent as well, that's called stone soup development. Actually, if people know.

T

That story: it's where no one has anything, but if we.

T

Put together a little bit from everyone, then we can build something, and I would.

T

Do the same thing with public transit put in some good money a percent a year.

T

For four years and tell our people honestly that we need this money to.

T

Develop our city to meet the needs, so you know, I think we all know where this.

T

Budget is going, but I think we need to remember there's an election coming up.

T

And if a candidate is knocking on your door and says I'm gonna cut your.

T

Property taxes- I'm gonna cut this, then you know what frankly call it. Fellow.

T

Torontonians, I would say to that candidate. You are not reading the signs.

T

Of this time, we need investment, we need to build a city that is better.

T

What it is now- and we can't do it on the revenues that we have now one last point.

T

I'd ask it if you could put this put this slide up by av folks that to me was.

T

The most critical picture from the slide deck we we are spending a hundred and.

T

Seventy two dollars less per person now than after before eight years of frankly,.

T

Austerity and semi austerity that equals four, a 2.8 million dollar commute 2.8.

T

Million person community 481 million dollars. That's if we stayed even thank.

T

You that's something of the kind of thinking that I think we need to bring.

T

To the election into the new term of council, thank you very much. Madam.

T

Speaker, thank you, calcium. I have a councillor.

A

Davis, thank you speaker. I have a motion and that is to increase.

J

The proposed residential property tax by additional 0.32% that could allow the.

J

City council to fund 9.2 million in programs such as the reduction of.

J

Childcare fees when it considers the next report three point: two we are in.

J

This awkward situation, where we are tackling this budget backwards- and I say.

J

This every year we have to fix this. Why are we debating this we've already set.

J

The tax increase and that's what happens that that's what happens when we get to.

J

The budget committee so anyway, I've proposed three point: two point: three two.

J

Which generates nine point? Two million? Which is the commitment that this.

J

Council made virtually unanimously to match provincial funding for childcare.

J

And I'll speak more to that when we speak on the next item,.

J

I'll also support councillor perks, motion of 4.2 and I'll support. If that.

J

Fails: 4%, sorry and I'll support councillor layton's motion of 2.9.

J

Percent and the reason I will support those increases.

J

And everyone that has come before this council, since I have been here, is.

J

Because I understand that we have a city that is growing and we have not kept.

J

Pace with the growth of our population in terms of services, we have a city with.

J

Deepening inequalities and we have not kept pace with the programs and services.

J

To meet the needs of those people, all our people, and so what have we done in.

J

The last couple of years, which is really been something that our finance people.

J

And jossie lavina is the one that has said year after year. We need service.

J

Plans and so what do we have now service plans where there was consultation where.

J

We listened to our communities and we came forward with strategies to address.

J

The needs and growth in our city, but we haven't been funding them fully. I want.

J

To first- and I actually, I meant to acknowledge right at the outset that.

J

There are many many investments in this budget, and I wanted to thank everyone.

J

Who was involved in developing it? Because I do know how how much hard work.

J

It is, but we have a senior strategy, we have a childcare strategy, we have a.

J

Recreation strategy strategy, a facilities, management, a facilities.

J

Master plan for recreation: we have an environmental plan if we are really.

J

Going to be serious about investing in growth and needs in our city, we cannot.

J

Continue to pretend we can do it by freezing budgets, how can we build the.

J

City we want when we freeze budgets now there is an additional new and enhanced.

J

In this budget quite significant, but the majority of it has come from the.

J

Provincial government fifty six million dollars for childcare alone from the.

J

Federal and provincial governments, and what did we put in to when we were.

J

Supposed to commit 11.2 so I'll speak more about that and why we.

J

Should be investing that 3.2% increase when we get to the next report, but what.

J

I do know is that this budget is built once again on 77 million dollars of.

J

Draws from reserves, and that next year we're starting out again assuming even.

J

With a 2.3 percent tax increase and an increase in ttc fares that we will.

J

Behind be behind at the start of that process, by 300 million, we have to.

J

Recognize that the tax rates in the city of toronto fall far below many other.

J

Municipalities, both in the gta and right across the province, we have to do our.

J

Share and I hear the councillors who get up and say terrible, it's terrible I'll.

J

Never introduce or vote for tax increases and both the city manager.

J

Councillor, campbell and others said we either have to cut, or we have to raise.

J

Revenue, it's true it is that simple, but I never see anyone saying yes, I'm.

J

Prepared to cut housing, I'm prepared to cut the ttc, I'm prepared to cut.

J

Recreation programs, no because everyone around this table knows that their.

J

Communities want those services, their communities need those services in their.

J

Communities are lining up by the thousand on wait lists paying for those.

J

Service, thank you. Can we have this step up? Thank you, couch anne. Thank you.

C

Madam speaker, I I find it a bit difficult to have this.

C

Conversation because there is this view that we can talk about these rates.

C

Without talking about the impacts of these rates, and then we cannot have the debate on these rates unless we are able to articulate what these rates mean in.

C

Various parts, so this a versus b, the second part, is going to tackle this.

C

Issue, and the first part is only going to talk about rates, is fairly difficult.

C

I for many things in the current budget. In fact, I want to thank all the activists who worked so hard to make sure the.

C

Transform tío is funded almost fully funded in this budget. He didn't come out.

C

Of goodwill, a few individuals, it came out of collective action of many many.

C

Community members that we saw in in in this council, even within the one year.

C

Time that I have been here anti black racism funding, you know, we've talked.

C

About this city being unequal in terms of wealth, but this wealth is heavily.

C

Disproportionately wealth disparity is disproportionately impacting people of.

C

Color- and we know that looking at who lives in places where which are.

C

Considered quote unquote priority populations, so these are fabulous things.

C

That are that we are able to incorporate in into this a because we are able to.

C

Increase the property tax from zero to at least at an inflation level, and I'm.

C

Glad that we have the two-hour pass transfer in it, because you know for many.

C

People in scarborough going to places of worship to school to to get groceries.

C

Everything you need to be able to take a public transit and nothing is workable.

C

In many of these places, so the to our transit fare, the the the income tied.

C

Fair for ttc all these are great things that are only happening because we were able to increase the property tax by at least inflation, but that's not enough. I.

C

Also want to say about: what's missing, you know we can. We should be doing much.

C

More on the on the housing and shelter crisis that we are facing today and we.

C

Cannot do that just by keeping it at inflation, we cannot do the investment we.

C

Need to have in childcare just by keeping the thing and inflation over the.

C

Many many years of underfunding, we are at a stage where we cannot have a.

C

Drastic increase to meet all these, but we have to start having at least a bit.

C

More courage to increase a little bit more than where we are at with respect.

C

To inflation, I want to say that I I will definitely support council layton's.

C

Motion that brings at least an additional of almost twenty four million.

C

Dollars into investing into child care into making our parks more accessible.

C

And and ttc some support for ttc. I also want to thank councilor pressley for his.

C

Motion because I think, even though you know it's it's going to predominantly go.

C

To down a core of a city having a vibrant arts,.

C

Scene is very important for the rest of the toronto, but I'm hoping that this.

C

Will also shift a little bit more focus on other ways. We can support arts in the.

C

Suburbs, so we can actually figure out ways in which we can partner better to.

C

Make sure that the arts arts organizations are are somewhat connected.

C

Across the city so I'll definitely support councillor chrissy in the hope.

C

That you know in the long run what he is envisioning will help other suburbs to.

C

Become create hubs for our social planning toronto released. The report.

C

Said promises and promises when it comes to making when it comes to wording on.

C

Issue on visions and plans, and so on. We almost see unanimous support and then.

C

When it comes to trying to invest into these plants, we see a gap. So it's very.

C

Important you know, we don't do this at every single time. We do it only once we.

C

Do it in the budget time, but throughout the year we passed many visions and many.

C

Strategies that aim to create support for vulnerable populations in our city.

C

And when it comes to budget, we are not making that extra effort to invest a.

C

Little bit more, it is not a politically popular thing, but at the same time you.

C

Cannot be able to sustain this city and provide the services we provide without.

C

Having that additional support in terms of property taxes, the last thing I want.

C

To leave you with is that you know in scarborough many people feel.

C

Uncomfortable paying more because the services aren't reaching many.

C

Populations in scarborough and that inequity needs to be addressed. It's it's.

C

Very very important for us to stay. You know many populations in the suburbs feel like they are paying for the their share.

C

And they're not getting the services, whether shelter, whether its recreational.

C

Services, whether their library services per capita, invest many many of our place.

C

Is not there so we can continue to support an increase, but we need to have.

C

A real look into the inequities that exist in our city geographically, thank.

C

You thank you now, sir dessert. Thank you, madam speaker.

K

So this is an election budget. It's a band-aid budget but more important. It's.

K

An unsustainable budget, and that really concerns me as long as I've been at city.

K

Hall, the administration comes up with the increase before we consult with.

K

Residents when we actually bring residents in to consult we've already.

K

Made up in our minds, we know what the increase will be and we use you know.

K

Where the money's going to go, why don't we change things up? Why don't we go out.

K

To consult with residents and say: okay, what would you like now? I know we're not.

K

We can't give residents everything they like, but talk to residents. We heard from.

K

Another counselor: why not go to our departments and say what do you need not.

K

Just to maintain what we're putting out there now for services, but with a.

K

Growing population, what do we need? We have over 100 acres, 180,000 students or.

K

People on a waiting list for parks and rec program, we have about 80,000.

K

Families looking for affordable housing, this budget doesn't get us to giving.

K

Those people, what they're looking for what they need when we do start actually.

K

Talking about budget, we know how much we're bringing in and we have to squish.

K

Everything we want and we need into that area. It's like trying to put a round peg.

K

In a square hole, it's not gonna work, it just isn't going to happen. Two big.

K

Concerns I have this time round the mlt tea. We are hearing that the property.

K

Market is going soft, I believe, when I first became counts.

K

Though we didn't put a hundred percent of what we estimated will be bringing in.

K

Into filling the budget we'd put a percentage in and then, if we brought in.

K

More we had surplus and some of that, if I'm not mistaken, went to ttc and some.

K

Went to were topping up our reserve funds if we're putting the full amount.

K

In eight hundred and million- and we don't bring that in.

K

Where's that gap coming from we've also put over fifty million dollars of.

K

Reserve money into balancing this budget- I don't know I have a reserve fund in my.

K

Family, so if my roof leaks or my boiler blows up, I've got money to go and fix it.

K

Or if my car hits a pothole but that's another story, I've got money to go and.

K

Fix it if we are depleting our reserve funds and we don't have any surplus.

K

Coming in, how do we fill those those reserves? How do we get ready for that.

K

Rainy day or snowy day, according to whatever the weather's doing so, I think.

K

We have actually, I agree, we do this sort of cart before the horse. We should see.

K

What the city needs see what residents need see what our departments need, then.

K

Come up with how much money we need to bring in if we were to actually bring.

K

Our property tax to the average over gta. I think we needed something like a.

K

Thirty one point: nine percent property tax increase, not obviously we're not.

K

Going to do that, no one would do that, but it just shows where our property tax.

K

Are in line with everyone else, so, yes, my concerns. Are the markets going to drop.

K

That money isn't going to be there to pay for the services we and residents.

K

Are expecting we need to use that reserve fund and it's not there any.

K

Longer so, as I say, I don't believe this is a sustainable budget. I am not looking.

K

Forward to a 2019 budget- hopefully I'm here to try and fight for.

K

Things but I'm not looking forward to that because we don't have those reserve.

K

Funds anymore, to fill that gap and we shouldn't be using reserve funds to fill.

K

That gap in the beginning, thank you, madam speaker,.

A

Thank you councillor carol to speak. Thank you, madam speaker, my speaker. I.

I

Couldn't agree with councillor doucet more about the fact that that residents.

I

Would would really love one day for us to to come to them and consult on the.

I

City's budget before we've actually launched one, not only do I agree with.

I

Her rose youth agrees with her the youth cabinet and the toronto youth council. Every youth group I meet with says the.

I

Same thing, we'd like to talk to you before you've already convinced our.

I

Parents of what their property tax increase would be. Moreover, when I go to.

I

My community, they say: isn't this already a done deal? Why do I have to come to a.

I

Town hall, they really would like to go back to that thing. We have not done for.

I

A decade of talking to them first, that being said, I'm I'm not so sure that.

I

We'd be very good at it. At this point it's been, it's been somewhat frustrating.

I

And downright sad for me to listen to some of the comments this morning, I I.

I

Love, my colleagues, I respect my colleagues, but what have you said this.

I

Has been a very easy budget year, um ask any one of these staff members. If this.

I

Has been a very easy budget year sure the only thing that was easy for them.

I

Was to tell us if you want us to to meet the target, we're just gonna hack away.

I

We're not going to do any of the things you discussed and asked us to add this.

I

Year here it is nothing sensational. It's last year, some retirements, here's, your.

I

Budget in that respect is easy, but are they losing sleep? I daresay they are so.

I

This has not really been an easy budget year. I've heard people demonstrate a.

I

Real either a lack of understanding or a lack of willingness to actually be.

I

Honest about the difference between gross and net, I can't believe that people who have been in office as long as some have who are trying to.

I

Demonstrate how terrible our budget is on the basis of the gross, when, in fact,.

I

All the growth in it is not coming from any decisions you've made, but what other.

I

Governments have contributed in terms of major cities in north america, the.

I

Province is now contributing about what you expect the province or a state to.

I

Contribute about 25%, the feds could step up a little more there's still a 2%, but.

I

Any growth in your gross budget save and accept the 400 million that that mr.

I

Parag mentioned is, is really coming from other governments, not your decisions and you either don't know that because you haven't bothered.

I

To understand it or you're not willing to explain it to your residents and.

I

That's the really sad part: there seems to be a lack of understanding of what it.

I

Means to build something into the base not to at the last minute, take one-time.

I

Revenues or risk of risk based revenue such as mlt t-to, to plug any of the last.

I

Minute holes in the budget, but to actually say here are the things we want.

I

In the budget and they are ongoing services and if they are ongoing.

I

Services, we know where they have to come from that one sustainable piece of.

I

Revenue that we have the property tax you see there are a total lack of.

I

Understanding of what the base budget is or an unwillingness to either understand.

I

It or explain it to your residents, and that is the thing that is going to make.

I

You completely and utterly vulnerable to the economy that we're headed for from.

I

The financial post, the hottest market in the world, the toronto housing market is.

I

Facing a reckoning from the toronto star toronto area, housing prices expected to.

I

Remain flat or in fact, decline from the globe and mail, toronto, home sales fall.

I

Sharply in january, where will it end yeah it's an election year budget and.

I

You'll probably see your june 30th variance report with a massive negative.

I

Variance in it, based on your m ltt assumption of twice what hamson told you.

I

Twice what hampton told you ten years ago, you should ever assume into your.

I

Operating budget you're assuming eight hundred million, when hampton told you.

I

Never assume into your operating budget more than four hundred million, unless.

I

You've somehow quadrupled the number of rate paying accounts in this. In this.

I

City and you haven't so I dare say in an election year- you're you're really.

I

Rolling the dice, because it'll be about september when you find out you've.

I

Rolled the dice- and you have come up with that with very little- to show for.

I

It and that's why that little bit that councillor layton is asking you to put.

I

In so that the things you want to add to the budget, we all agree.

I

Lutie, mr. mayor this morning, at nine o'clock we all agree you need to add.

I

Those things to the budget councillor lateness, providing your motion that will.

I

Give you a sustainable way to do it in line with inflation and a real and true.

I

Base budget source for those funds, and if you don't do it, you will have.

I

Difficulty in your election year, unless the real estate market really surprising.

I

Thank you counts there thompson. I thank you very.

E

Much madam speaker, I'd like to move an amendment to councilor chrissy's motion.

E

And simply that and just changing the word and they are not withstanding in in.

E

His motion, this is a staff- has suggested that we do this, so it's technical in.

E

Nature, it's the line. That's underlined there in the item on the screen speaker.

E

I just simply want to rise to speak to the rates, because there's ample.

E

Opportunity to speak to many other elements, as it relates to the the.

E

Capital and operating budget I've had a number of meetings in my ward regarding.

E

Budgets and this particular budget- and I have not had a meeting in my ward, where.

E

Anyone has come to me and said: please, please, councillor thompson increase my.

E

Taxes, please increase my taxes. In fact, what they have said to me is: don't.

E

Increase my taxes, while we're hearing here, is that there is a moderate.

E

Increase with respect to the rate of cpi they're, a and, and so I'm going to.

E

Support that I realize that, certainly if we were as prudent as we were able to be.

E

In a manner where we would not be required to use reserves to help us and.

E

So, on with respect to balancing the budget, but in all the years that I've.

E

Been here, I've actually never seen a budget where we've never used reserve to.

E

Help us to balance the budget, so there are many who've spoken now about the.

E

Fact that we should be increasing taxes, many who's, saying that what we shouldn't.

E

Take any funds from reserves to help us with respect to our budget, I'm not quite.

E

Sure, where I got lost, that's part being here for the number of years that.

E

I have been here because I've never seen that it's not a john, tory or mara tory.

E

Phenomena where he's introducing something that we've never done here.

E

Before but I think, if you listen to a lot of people here, it's as if this is a.

E

New phenomenon: this is a new exercise that we're actually going through the.

E

Requirement of a city is to ensure that we provide the services for our.

E

Residents and so on, for some people, it's not enough of services for other people.

E

It's too much and so on our job here, surveillance interest- and I mean that's.

E

Really, what our key function here in this particular chamber- and I realize.

E

That for some it's easy to advance the argument that says we should increase.

E

Taxes and so on, because that would allow us then to do all the things that we're.

E

Doing one of the things that I have not heard mentioned here today as part of.

E

This particular process. We have many services, we have many offerings that we.

E

Offer to our residents in the city of tehran to help them to give them a.

E

Helping hand and so on, I'm not aware, nor should there be simply a system where we.

E

Continue to simply say well, you know you're stuck in your particular.

E

Condition we're just going to support that. I think what we ought to advance is.

E

The opportunity where we set the bar and standard higher so that people can.

E

Aspire and achieve great success, and so on the rate may not be. You know what.

E

Everybody likes, but I think that, as we have always said, the rate of inflation.

E

Is an appropriate number? I draw attention to councilor mom emily. These.

E

Comments about the different services that people are paying for and so on. You.

E

Have an option with respect to garbage. I think that was one of the ones that he.

E

Highlighted and so on, while you can choose to basically put out less and.

E

Reduce the actual amount that you dispose of and so on fact you could go.

E

Down to a very nominal amount or even zero that you actually pay, so you do.

E

Have some options and that's really a good exercise for our residents? Quite.

E

Frankly, because then you are doing obviously the 3 r's recycling room.

E

Reusing, and that, I think, is a fundamental and positive element.

E

Speakers so I am going to support what's in front of us. The budget process has.

E

Taken the tremendous amount of time we've heard from a lot of people, and so on. The budget chief and the team and the staff have done an.

E

Amazing job in terms of bringing forward something that's going to help us. We are.

E

Still providing the services for retaining and hiring more people to.

E

Provide this that the services in this city, as well as providing options, people.

E

Will now have a two-hour transfer opportunities, one which is new to us, but.

E

Has been in visit, but it is been in service in new york city for 20 years. I.

E

Mean so it works as one and there's fundings. That's be made available for.

E

That speaker, so I am going to support the rates that we are actually talking.

E

About at this time, in this budget process, thank you thank you counts there.

A

Holliday to speak, thank you speaker. I have a motion and that is that items.

B

Number seven eight be deleted and instead we adopt a different policy and.

B

That is that city council direct the general manager edc to establish a grant.

B

Program equal in value to the proposed creative colocation facility, sub-class.

B

Tax reduction program to be made available to all eligible organizations.

B

As proposed in the program and I'll speak to that briefly, there's a photo. I.

B

Wanted to show to help illustrate what I think. What I understand is happening me.

B

If I can just get clerks to help me with that, so 401 richmond is in the center of.

B

That looking on the internet, it looks to be a fantastic place and I think I.

B

Understand, what's happened around the neighborhood had walked past there before the neighborhood's changed around that gentrification is occurring. There's.

B

High-Rise development. I couldn't sue mout far enough on the picture to show.

B

The number of towers, so things have changed and it's a no surprise that the.

B

The land value has gone up and subsequently the taxes have gone up. So I.

B

Understand why councils been seized with some sort of a process to figure out how.

B

To reconcile this and as councillor crecy said, there's a couple of schools.

B

Of thought, the one that's being proposed before us is that we simply claw back.

B

And cut back on the taxes we select this sector and in many ways this location.

B

Although I understand it benefits a few, but it's going to benefit this location.

B

A lot in the local councilors ward and we claw.

B

Back the taxes, I would offer you a different thought in my motion and that.

B

Is to get the money to the organizations in a different way, and that is through.

B

The grants process to me that's a far more transparent and equitable process.

B

It's a way that people can discuss this issue with, what's going on with the the.

B

Cost of existing in that environment, one of the things that came out in.

B

Questioning was that this tax cut actually helps the landlord not.

B

Necessarily the organization's and I'm not sure that there's necessarily a.

B

Guarantee that these savings get passed on, and me even more alarming- was that.

B

Some of the people that are located there might be for-profit entities and.

B

Those for-profit entities may also benefit from a tax cut. That's what came.

B

Out in the questioning, so the motion that I've put before you is is cost.

B

Neutral because it takes the same money that might have been used, I think it.

B

Came out is 1.2 million dollars in the questioning and puts it in a different.

B

Way in a grants process so that these organizations can then apply for the for.

B

The money as needed, if the taxes are going beyond that 10%, stop that we.

B

Talked about instead of council policy on then we can bring it up and they can.

B

Have some sort of a relief so there's that, and I think I'll just make a very.

B

Simple statement about what we've been talking about right now in this item is.

B

Just simply fixing a tax rate trying to fix one, that's affordable in this city.

B

We've had proposals for more we've, had proposals for less I'll just remind.

B

Members of council that there's many many revenue streams that bring money.

B

Into the city, it's not just the municipal taxes, but it's also the rate.

B

Base, it's also the hotel tax, the sign tax, the city building levy, the subway.

B

Levy and it goes on and on and I'll even go farther to say we take a dividend.

B

From such organizations as the toronto parking authority and hydro, I think we.

B

Raised that dividend in hydro, so in a roundabout way, the city, I think it's 75.

B

Million dollars the city's bringing in money through that dividend through.

B

Charges that people pay on a hydro basis, so.

B

If everyone thinks that it's just the property tax is what we're hitting our.

B

Residents for to help pay for operations they're wrong, the taxes are actually.

B

Hidden in many many other places, sometimes they're, not as a parent.

B

Sometimes they're not as transparent, sometimes they don't test us when we get.

B

That tax bill they kind of go through in a hidden way, and I think it's important.

B

To think about that about this entire ecosphere of money that we take from.

B

People, you know we talked about affordability in the city and canada,.

B

Mortgage and housing uses an income test to help figure out whether you should be.

B

Purchasing a home, it's called pit or piff. If you include heating principal.

B

Interest taxes and heating: well, we don't have a lot to control on the principle.

B

Other than some of the development approvals that we make the interest is.

B

The market, but the taxes are something that this city controls and if canada.

B

Mortgage and housing corporation understands that, as you know, a pressure.

B

Put on a household to help manage living, then I think we should do our part as.

B

Well, by considering the taxes that we charge, people, it's not just the property.

B

Taxes I mentioned was the entire amount of money that we take in even the.

B

Municipal land transfer tax, which could be easily calculated in anawa annualized,.

B

On an average as a lot of money councilors, I hope you think about that.

B

And we'll make the right decision. Thank you. Thank you counts there, matt lowe to.

A

Speak, madam speaker, we do this every single year and I just I've been sitting.

F

Here all day- and I encourage us- let this be the last budget year- that we.

F

Discussed the rates before the needs and the services it just seems stupid.

F

Irresponsible and backasswards to me it does backasswards.

F

The madam speaker, I we keep talking about young families who have to pay for.

F

Childcare or seniors who are on fixed pensions, and I can't think of any of my.

F

Friends or neighbors, and I ask you if you can think of any yourselves or if.

F

You do this in your own budget, where you think you don't think about what your.

F

Needs are, as far as taking your kid to the dentist or clothes or food, or paying.

F

The rent or mortgage or getting your car repaired or whatever your needs, are.

F

Before you think about what you need to either bring in as revenue or cut within.

F

Your budget to be able to make ends meet. I can't imagine that anyone of us.

F

Arbitrarily just picks a number out of the air and then tries to make life work.

F

For that number, yet that's what we're doing now- and this is what we've been.

F

Doing year after year, all many of us have supported that direction because it.

F

Always seemed to be the mayor's prerogative and well you know that's the.

F

Mayor has a privilege under our system to decide on that order, but I.

F

Respectfully, encourage us that if any of us come back next year that rather than.

F

Using this technique to pigeonhole whatever our prescribed destination,.

F

Might be with respect to the rates, it is more genuine and sincere to have a.

F

Debate over what we want to invest in and perhaps what we want to cut and what.

F

Our vision is, rather than a number focus on a vision for the city and then pick a.

F

Number to match it now, if that number becomes an inflationary number so be it.

F

If the number goes above inflation, then that's what we decide. We want to invest.

F

It maybe it's below I who knows, but what.

F

We're doing today, I just I just hate process. I just I feel it's. It's not real.

F

It's it's we're kind of going through this. This kind of motion today, where.

F

We're debating something and we're all talking, maybe about childcare, maybe a.

F

Bad housing- or you know maybe about poverty or maybe about environment or.

F

Maybe about I mean even the little things, the big things that impact your.

F

Lives like how many by law- and you know, enforcement officers, do we have to deal.

F

With noise, complaints or or or as councillor mary said, snow removal and.

F

Windrow, clearing or or life-and-death issues like respite, centers and and and.

F

And housing- and I mean but we're not talking about that- we're talking about.

F

Numbers in a vacuum and and it that just doesn't sound, it's not logical and it's.

F

Not like anyone would do that in the real world, so why are we in a bubble? Why.

F

Aren't we acting like the real world? Why don't we make a budget like any family.

F

Any individual would do in their own home because we are supposed to be the.

F

Reflection of their priorities, but we're not talking about priorities, we're.

F

Talking about numbers, let's set our priorities, let's match it with numbers.

F

And let's invest in toronto in a way that actually meets the needs. Thank you.

A

Counts there long time and thank you very much, madam speaker, I'd like to rise.

H

And thank city staff for all their exceptional work and putting together.

H

This budget, I recognize that this is not necessarily easy, especially as every.

H

Year, we're accessing not just the divisional heads who lead the public.

H

Service to do for more with less and less, but rather it's it's it's one where.

H

We're asking frontline staff to deliver more more services with less and less.

H

And it's really them that I want to say thank you to, even though we don't hear.

H

From them, not necessarily in these type of formal settings, and certainly not at.

H

The standing committees, but I think that we are seeing the fatigue on their faces.

H

As they're being asked to respond to growing populations, very complex urban.

H

Issues trying to make sure that the service levels are there and it.

H

Is becoming increasingly tough. I also want to thank that the budget committee.

H

For the hours of work that they put in in terms of trying to make sure that.

H

They they put forth a balanced budget for us to consider, and- and I know that.

H

That it's thankless work here, oftentimes being a lobby from various sides of the.

H

Political spectrum- and I and I appreciate that, to be quite honest and.

H

And councillor crawford who's always just been so so approachable in in the.

H

Way he handles every single concern. This is a very difficult budget and in some.

H

Ways largely because of some of the the statements have already been made by.

H

Colleagues on the floor, madam speaker, but I do find that there is some there.

H

Is a there's a bit of manufacturing here that takes place, which leaves me.

H

Somewhat troubled, not because it's not a political budget, and certainly it is but.

H

In terms of the values that we talk about and what we want to do and how we.

H

Want to build the city, I'm very troubled, that we say one thing we do another and.

H

Then, by the sleight of hand, something else materializes and look, we've saved.

H

The day but there's some things that are left off the budget and went and now we.

H

Have to go off and fight for it, so it is very, very confusing, especially for those.

H

Who are not deep, embedded in the process? Who are not at the front lines of every.

H

Single discussion, but I would say that it's actually not as honest as I think.

H

It needs to be, and we want to operate only in the light, and we want to make.

H

Sure that we're accountable because we're dealing with public dollars but.

H

Madam speaker, I want to just highlight a couple of things in 2016 2017 and I will.

H

Again in 2018 move motions supporting gender responsive budgeting it'll be the.

H

Third time that I will have to do this, madam speaker and madam speaker, you'll.

H

Probably notice that, throughout the entire budget process, very little was.

H

Discussed on the issue of equity very very little, and certainly almost no.

H

Language came up talking about how gender equity plays into this budget and.

H

How it translates into services that will make the lives of women and girls.

H

And their families easier and I'm not talking about talking about luxury, I'm.

H

Just talking about a quality of living that everyone can anticipate, but yet at.

H

The same time, madam speaker, when we hold budget town halls in war 27, I don't get.

H

20 or 30 people coming out, which I understand, are fairly decent attendance.

H

Numbers by every account in any ward in the city I get a hundred and fifty to.

H

One hundred and seventy people coming out to our budget town hall's because we.

H

Say we're gonna put a gender lens over the work that we do and we actually.

H

Frame the discussions around equity so, interestingly enough, I know that we have.

H

The most well-attended town halls in the city, I know that these residents are.

H

Coming from across the city, because they're not all wor 27 residents but.

H

We're actually able to set the discussion table that actually allows.

H

Everyone to participate and the things that they talk about, madam speaker, is.

H

That they do not want to have women and girls bear the burden of poverty, and yet.

H

Madam speaker, that's exactly what is happening and they also want to make.

H

Sure that we do the very best we can to make sure that women and girls and their.

H

Families are going to have equal opportunity to economic prospects and.

H

Prosperity is gonna, be shared by all our last budget town hall, which focused on.

H

Gender responsive budgeting. We had the minister of finance come in to speak and.

H

He talked about the work that they're doing in ottawa to make sure that they.

H

Put an intersectional gender lens over their operating capital budgets and so.

H

Interestingly enough, madam speaker, I recognize that we're actually having.

H

Different orders of government before us that are exploring the concept of gender.

H

Responsive budgeting, and yet here at city council, where we have adopted this.

H

Motion in 2016 2017 and hopefully 2018- we still haven't gone far enough and I'd.

H

Like us to do that again, but next time we're gonna do the work for real. Thank.

H

You counts their flexure to speak. Yes, I do.

G

Have a motion speaker and if it's not ready, perhaps you could move to counsel.

A

Yes, counselor flexures motion ready, they don't have a counselor fletcher I'd sent.

A

It to how did you send it a maryland? Was she not there? No, I hear there, you go.

G

I'll have to resend that center table and let mr. schreiner speak. Okay.

G

Counselor shiner, I'm speaker, that's okay. You know I. I.

E

Rise, I rise because I think that some of us forget who were representing and the.

E

Ability of those that were representing to pay- and I say that because there's.

E

Quite a number of motions that, as in previous years, say we'll just raise the.

E

Tax rate, half a percent one percent more: it's not a lot. It's not a lot! Well, we've.

E

Seen what happened with the housing industry, just by a quarter percentage.

E

Point increase or half a percentage point increase in interest rates.

E

Or the requirement to get a greater down payment on a house and we look at those.

E

Houses and those prices now are running close to eight hundred nine hundred.

E

Thousand ones for the average house and staff, when I ask them the question, I.

E

Said so, what is the how many of the homes that we have are assessed at under.

E

A million dollars in what are they assess tax and I was told, there's six.

E

Hundred and eighty thousand homes under a million dollars, there's a t-1000.

E

Between one and two million and fifteen thousand homes, over two million dollars.

E

That means the average person the city of toronto is living in the house. That.

E

We try to consider an affordable price and those people cannot afford more and.

E

When I hear comments from some of my colleagues well decide what you need and.

E

Then set the tax rate. You can't do that. We have a responsibility to see what.

E

People can't afford and cost a living increase itself is a burden on sama and.

E

In fact, the residential tax owner doesn't get a cost of living increase.

E

He gets one, that's almost 40% more because of the fact we can't raise the.

E

Commercial, we can't raise the multi rez, so I think the process we've gone.

E

Through is right, I think the budget number is the best we can do. I think.

E

That we have to try to keep it to the city as affordable as we can. I think any.

E

Of these motions that were there for additional money in there is not looking.

E

At what the issue is, because we have a finite amount of money and that's what.

E

We're setting now is what is the rate that we're going to have an attacks rate.

E

We have a finite amount and after that, if you want to move it around between.

E

Different priorities: you can do that, but if you put the wish list on the table.

E

Which is what someone that wish list never ends and if you don't think of the.

E

Taxpayers, which are those that you're responsible for in their ability to pay.

E

Which is what we're doing now by setting a tax rate you're not being responsible.

E

To the people that elected you, so I'm not supporting any amendments to the.

E

Rate, I think cost of living, which is what we tell them, is more than enough.

E

Because of legislation we're 40% more than cost of living, almost a 3% tax.

E

Increase that is more than substantial, that most people can carry. People are.

E

Struggling to afford a house in the city- and you don't think about them when you.

E

Think that you want to and suggest that we raise taxes higher you're, not.

E

Thinking about the ability to pay you're, not thinking about the people that are.

E

Paying the taxes and you're not thinking with the majority of tax payers in the.

E

City of toronto want thank you. Do we have councillor.

A

Fletcher's motion: it's on the next item: okay,.

A

Councillor fletcher to speak, then I will and I'll address that and I think it's.

G

The same as councillor raja mary, that it's very hard to tie certain things.

G

Together and why I thought this could be under this area, is that our rate could.

G

Be adjusted or perhaps even be lower if we actually had what we deserved from.

G

The other levels of government, in particular the questions I asked earlier.

G

Which I know I was straying, but they really are associated with the rate we.

G

Used to have a 50% operating subsidy for the ttc.

G

Before amalgamation and it got dropped, I know we've moved motions before to.

G

Reinstate that, but I don't think we've done that with much gusto and I actually.

G

Think we have to stop saying your fares going up, although it isn't this year, but.

G

We have to actually go back to the senior levels of government and insist.

G

That two big things that got downloaded on to the taxpayers, the property.

G

Taxpayers of this city, that being housing and that being transit, it just.

G

Isn't on any more, why should that be? Why should we get a whole portfolio of.

G

Ontario housing downloaded and somehow just go along with that for 20 years.

G

Along with that, for 20 years being good little boys and girls and not raising.

G

Bloody hell, because how did that happen with that download? How do we have a.

G

Transit system that moves millions of people to their work every day and that.

G

Everyone in toronto, clamors for more transit, we need more transit. The.

G

Business community says more, transit residents, say more transit and we have a.

G

System that 20 years ago, people stopped paying.

G

Half of and say, okay taxpayers, you pay for it.

G

Something's wrong with how acquiescent we are on that and now we're fighting.

G

Over will it be 4%? Will it be 2.9 millipede 3.2, but you know what if we.

G

Look at all the taxes that leaves this city and goes to the federal government.

G

Or leaves this city and goes to the provincial government, do you really.

G

Think that we're getting back what we need in order to move the legions of.

G

People that need to be moved around the city or the legions of people that live.

G

In our social housing portfolio in this city, like no other city in ontario, like.

G

No other city in the gta, the number of shelter beds were asking for I'm sorry. I.

G

Didn't hear mississauga asking for a thousand beds or ajax asking for a.

G

Thousand beds or vaughan asking for a thousands beds up near the new subway. I.

G

Hear people in toronto saying we need a thousand beds because people are in this.

G

City, so we have to stop being so darn, nice and just say: okay, we'll take the 50.

G

Percent they go ahead. Take it away! Oh we'll pay for all the housing that you.

G

Built some of it not very well and needs tremendous amount of repair. This is the.

G

Year for us to say and to help citizens say pay your fair share. Provincial.

G

Government now I couldn't move that here, but that would be part of my speech.

G

Under the next section, we have to step up like friends,.

A

Thank you count, counselor digiorgio. Thank you, madam.

O

Speaker, I will try to be brief in my comments and but let me begin by.

O

Complimenting first of all, the the budget committee and councillor crawford.

O

And staff for doing what I believe is as an excellent job in coming forward with.

O

The recommendations that they put forward the budget committee and then.

O

Ultimately approved by the executive committee, so by and large I will be.

O

Supporting the recommendations of the executive committee with perhaps one one.

O

Minor other motions I will support that was put forward by councillor crecy.

O

Notwithstanding that, I don't agree 100% with what's happening downtown, I think.

O

It is a unique situation that needs to be looked at in the context of creating.

O

A subclass it is a sustainable budget. I think that's one of the objectives that.

O

That has been really a foundation of the of the budget committee over the the.

O

Tenure of mayor tory he's always reiterated the fact that we.

O

Have to proceed at a rate that is sustainable is responsible, and I think.

O

Is the budget committee has kept within that framework? There are a number of.

O

Things that are very important that people sometimes forget, and that is one.

O

Of the things that they forget is that there's a relationship between a capital.

O

Investment and an operating impact and one of the things that the budget.

O

Process allows you to see is that a lot of the capital investments are financed.

O

Out of current budget to the extent of 10%, which means that the remaining.

O

Portion of that capital, investment has to be financed through debt, and so.

O

People keep talking about debt charges and the fact that that charges go up and.

O

Keep going up the reality of the fact is, you cannot eliminate debt charges if you.

O

Choose to make investments of a capital nature if you choose and we've done this.

O

In the past, by the way, if you say you know we're gonna delay, making capital.

O

Investments for five years ten years, then you can get away from.

O

Increasing debt service charges or at least stabilize debt service charges, but.

O

You pay a price for that, so that being said, what I'm suggesting is that you not.

O

Be overly alarmed by increasing debt service charges, I can tell you that we.

O

Can get rid of the debt service charges very quickly? All we have to do is to.

O

Have everybody and I've said this many times in the past- have all property.

O

Owners essentially pay one lump sum equivalent to whatever property taxes.

O

They're paying on an annual basis, in other words, if they make a lump sum.

O

Payment of twice their annual property taxes, all of a sudden, the debt.

O

Disappears and theoretically the debt service charges disappear.

O

Unfortunately, unfortunately, you have to commit to that philosophy, as we won't.

O

Make capital investments going forward, we're gonna finance everything out of.

O

Operating and the reality is, you won't be able to do that, so it is. It is a.

O

System that there are inbuilt sort of control mechanisms that basically force.

O

Us to say we have to keep an eye on affordability. We have to keep an eye on.

O

How much can people actually absorb going forward, and I think chancellor.

O

Shiner alluded to that fact quite quite eloquently, and we need to make some.

O

Judgment calls with respect to setting priorities. We cannot meet all demands.

O

That's why the structural gap exists by virtue of the fact that the demands that.

O

Are placed upon us exceed the revenues that are available to us on an annual.

O

Basis and the demands keep growing up. I keep growing up the envelope for service.

O

Is demanded by our citizens keeps growing and therefore the revenue that.

O

We need to generate keeps growing and so that structural gap very difficult to.

O

Eliminate so I'm not going to I'm not going to say much more! Madam chair other.

O

Than to say that, I hope that the majority of counselors do support the.

O

Recommendations recommended, or at least adopted by the executive committee thank.

O

You thank you, counts there crawford. Thank you, madam.

Q

Speaker, more police officers, new bus drivers.

Q

Traffic wardens hop-on hop-off to our transfers, ttc fare, fries, fair, fair, pass.

Q

For low-income residents, millions more to the ttc full support of our 2018.

Q

Poverty reduction strategy, full support of the transform tío strategy for this.

Q

Year, more shelter, beds, more childcare spaces, more subsidies, 20,000 more.

Q

Recreation spaces additional youth hubs enhance sunday service for some and many.

Q

Of our libraries, the auditor general is getting more money to look for savings.

Q

Across the system we are living up to our 25 per dollar per capita arts.

Q

Funding commitment is a hundred and seventy million dollars more for capital.

Q

In this budget for an ongoing basis over ninety percent of all the new and.

Q

Enhanced items that came to budget from across council over the last year are in.

Q

This budget and we've achieved all of that we've achieved all of that with.

Q

Keeping property taxes low at the rate of inflation. So to suggest that we need.

Q

To raise taxes beyond the rate of inflation to invest in the city, I'm.

Q

Sorry, that's not correct. We've shown what we have been able to do last year.

Q

And not only that, the last three years so four years in a row we've kept this.

Q

City, affordable for the residents at the same time, investing millions of upon.

Q

Millions into important services, our fiscal health, is as strong as staff.

Q

Mentioned with the rating agency standard & poor's have stated such that.

Q

We have a very strong fiscal outlook, our reserves are very healthy and we.

Q

Replenish them every year with the surpluses that we get upwards of over a.

Q

Hundred million dollars minimum every year to replenish the surpluses, our debt.

Q

Ratios are reasonable for a city our size, tronto is a robust and growing city.

Q

And yes, we benefit from that. In this budget there is assessment growth that.

Q

Adds to that there is the mlt t. I understand that we actually benefit from.

Q

That we have to be cautious with the mlt t absolutely, but there are contingencies.

Q

In place in this, if something happens and I'm confident.

Q

That the staff have been prudent enough to be able to recommend to us that this.

Q

Is a prudent, fiscally responsible budget with a fiscally responsible property tax.

Q

Increase its two point: one percent. We invest in this city and that's what I.

Q

Will be supporting, I won't be supporting any other motions other than what.

Q

Executive committee has done. I'd also want to talk a bit about process the.

Q

Budget process we have in a very detailed and thorough process that you.

Q

Know what is going to be starting the day after we get this budget passed.

Q

Probably tonight, maybe tomorrow, that's when that budget process starts. You know.

Q

When it starts, it starts with staff going out into their individual divisions. It also starts here at this chamber with all the committees and all.

Q

The committee work that we're going to be doing over the next number of months.

Q

Because that will populate all the information that's going into the budget.

Q

Process for 2019, you look at our poverty reduction strategy. Where did that come.

Q

From it came from a decision we made here, we've moved it to the budget cycle and we are now supporting and funding it.

Q

Transform tío the same thing: where did the decision made? It was made here that.

Q

Was a priority we put that to the budget process and we are now supporting a.

Q

Hundred percent of that that's the process we have been following.

Q

But I'll begin with the process that we started budget, we have a thorough.

Q

Process that started just before christmas, and just afterwards the.

Q

Committee, the budget committee, the amount of work that they've done we go through informal review is where we meet every division and every agency across.

Q

The city and then the city staff bring us their budget and then we go through.

Q

It again out in public every counselor in this room has an opportunity to come.

Q

And be part of that process, if you were not part of that process this year, you.

Q

Should not be commenting on how flawed it may have been, because you had that.

Q

Opportunity to be here, councillor perks, I'm glad you were there. Councillor, davis,.

Q

We're there all the time. But if you had the audacity to say it's a flawed.

Q

Process and you weren't part of the process, I'm sorry, I don't accept those.

Q

Remarks we have an incredibly important process that we have been following. I.

Q

Want to thank all the councillors for doing that and again it's it's. It's a.

Q

Tough process, but you know what it's a fair process and we bring there's a lot.

Q

Of work, we have over 53 54 agencies and visions across the city. We need to bring.

Q

A lot of information together here and we do that we do it in a process. I think.

Q

Is fair? I will also, by the way view supporting.

Q

Accounts of crises motion with the creative colocation facilities, property.

Q

Tax subclass, with this 50% reduction, now understanding that we will move and will.

Q

Probably support this I'll be supporting this, but again understanding that has to.

Q

Go to the province, so they actually have to support it too. The hope is, they do.

Q

But it's really up to the province once we make the decision. So, madam speaker,.

Q

Thank you very much and I'll be supporting the executive committee.

Q

Recommendations, thank you. So if we can that's it for the speakers, so if we can.

A

Ring the bells now mr. holland,.

A

Okay: okay members: our first motion we'll put.

A

It on the screen, its motion number one by councillor, perks, recorded vote.

A

Councillor shiner, please that's a.

B

Croissant tea, please.

A

The motion does not carry. The vote is 9 to 33.

A

Okay, I've got a birdie card in here somewhere.

R

Oh councillor robinson what okay motion.

A

To reopen on favor carried okay: let's do it again.

A

Please watch those fingers recorded vote.

J

The motion does not carry. The vote is eight to thirty four. Our next motion is.

A

Motion number two by councillor melody recorded vote.

A

Kelly, please counsel mcmahon counselor chris auntie, please and counselor.

D

Holland, please: the motion does not carry.

D

The vote is five to thirty seven yeah. Our next motion is motion. Number four by.

A

Councillor layton recorded vote.

D

The motion does not carry. The vote is 13 to 29. My next motion is motion. Number 5.

A

By councillor davis recorded vote.

A

The motion does not carry. The vote is 14 to 28 motion six by councillor thompson.

A

That's it sam and dean count motion number three by councillor: cressy.

A

A

Councillor carol, please caliper, it's a.

D

Cancer croissant a please.

D

The amendment carries 36 to 6 motion number three by councillor cressy as.

A

Amended by councillor thompson recorded vote.

L

Cancer chris auntie, please.

D

The emotion is, amended, carries 36 to six.

A

Okay, so that means that counts, their holidays motion is be done on the item.

A

A

Item ism, so we're on the item now recorded vote.

A

Yes, council aten, please.

P

Thank you councillor, shiner councillor, my havoc. Please.

D

The item is amended, carries 31 to 11 what mistake.

S

How did you vote okay, so we've completed one item so.

A

Before we proceed to the debate on item ix 31.2, what I'd like to remind you that.

A

We have adopted the tax rates and the revenues they will generate under item.

A

Ix 31.1. That means that motions that affects attack from the tax rates and.

A

The amounts to be levied will not be an order during this debate. Any motion that.

A

Proposes an amendment to the levels of expenditure must also provide an.

A

Offsetting amount, I would also like to address a matter that arose during last.

A

Year's budget debate and gives some guidance to members under councils.

A

Procedures if the matter contains distinct propositions, a member can ask.

A

That council take a separate vote. If the chair agrees that the matter.

A

Can stand alone, a separate vote can be taken. You will recall that during the.

A

Voting on the 2017 budget, a request was made to conduct a separate vote on the.

A

Transportation, services budget, as it pertained to street-sweeping reductions.

A

The vote on that motion lost if you.

A

Remember so, as as the balanced budget before council included the.

A

Street-Sweeping reductions that lost vote resulted in an unbalanced budget.

A

Which is not permitted by law by council solution was to waive its rules to.

A

Permit a member to place a late motion to identify an offsetting source of.

A

Funds to balance the budget, I wish to avoid a similar circumstance in this.

A

Year's budget councillor palacio, well with the exception of those portions of.

A

The budget where members have declared interests, I will not entertain a request.

A

To vote separately on a portion of the budget of the budget, if a loss vote.

A

Would result in non in an unbalanced budget, as this means the proposition.

A

Does not stand alone if a member wishes to delete or change something in the.

A

Budget they should place a motion to mend the budget and identify an.

A

Offsetting source of funds, where necessary, I will ask the city clerk to.

A

Distribute my ruling so that all members will have a copy point of order. Deputy.

A

Mayor minimum, however, if one wants to cut something out of the cut something.

S

Out of the budget, one does not have to have an offset if one just generally.

Q

Wants to reduce the budget, not that it would happen in here.

Q

But but you can't you need you want it. Yes, yeah yeah yeah you can director, you.

A

Can direct it to another source? No, can't you just well! You don't want to.

A

Direct it anywhere, no, no just sit back, oh send it back where to the taxpayers.

Q

That's a really unusual idea in this place: yeah no yeah. We just said the tax.

A

Rate, you can just okay.

A

Point of order counselor, mama, lady, I'm sorry did you just rule that we cannot.

S

Reduce the budget, no, I didn't say that what what what I said is that, if there's.

A

A motion for that, but bring it to little I'll, bring it to the stuff. And but if.

A

You reduce it, we've already set the tax rate I get. I.

S

Get that, but if I'm on mine council perks, can you just hang on a sec.

S

If I wanted to move a motion to reduce a particular part of the budget, you'll.

S

Allow that motion to be voted on. Well, yes, as long as you provide, if you do a.

A

Reduction then you have to you have to you, have to indicate where you want.

A

Those funds to go so, if I wanted to return to the taxpayer after I'd, have to.

S

Say that we've already had a tax rate yeah, sorry, okay, I already set the tax.

A

Rate counselor ma'am, lady. No, no, I'm just trying to figure out how to place my.

S

Emotions so well, you know well why'd you place it and then we can deal with it.

A

When you place it, because I don't want it to be ruled out of order, but for one.

S

Or two words: is it? Will you allow me to reduce the budget in some areas and if.

S

So what if I were to do, I got to send it somewhere. Is that what you're saying.

A

Yeah but I until you move a motion, councilmember lady, I can't rule on your.

A

Motion so let's just move along and we'll see what happens. Okay,.

A

Okay questions: counselor carol; yes, maybe we can just sort this out. Madam speaker,.

I

If I could ask the cfo, if there's anything, I don't like in this budget and.

I

I want to take it out: what reserve should I direct the now additional funds.

I

To in my motion, so my suggestion would be the tax stabilization reserve fund.

I

Thank you. I have no other questions on the budget. Having followed the process.

A

So do we we're out questions now? Yes, do.

A

It counselor davis I did just want to, as I.

J

Indicated earlier, I wanted to ask some further questions about child care. What.

J

What is the range of fees in the average and probably for some people the highest.

J

Fees that they're paying in child care in the city of toronto for infants, the.

D

Average is 85 dollars a day. The highest is 106 dollars and ninety cents a day.

J

And what's that annually, if you happen to keep paying 106 a day.

J

It's a over $27,000 per animal, so it's almost 28 and the average. Then, if you're.

J

Paying the average fees for an infant. What's, though, that would be, I didn't do.

J

That that would be about twenty two thousand twenty two thousand one.

J

Thousand a year, so the proposal that is before us, which has some new money to.

J

Reduce fees would reduce fees in the top third, so we're talking about people who.

J

Are already paying what, between four and a twenty two and twenty seven hundred.

J

Thousand a year, that's correct! Yes! So if I had the fee reduction, that's contained.

J

In this budget- and I was paying twenty seven thousand dollars a.

J

How much would relief would I feel from this budget? You would feel about $1,600.

D

Over the course of a year, that's achieving a 5% reduction, so the.

J

Average infant fee is, according to the last study that was done nationally was.

J

1600 a month, so if we were going to reduce 5% on average, that family would.

J

Be saving how much for the average phoebe five hundred and sixty-five did. I.

J

Buy 283 dollars eighty three dollars a month: yes,.

J

The remainder you've through the chair that the study that we had done and.

K

Demand and affordability said the fees would have to reduce over 10 years by.

D

Between 25 and 40 percent to have a material impact on demand. Well, it didn't.

J

Say it had to be reduced over 10 years? It said if I may correct you, there had.

J

To be reduced 40 to 50 percent in order to have any kind of impact on demand.

J

That's correct, 25 to 40 percent and that study said very very clearly. We cannot.

J

Continue to just grow the childcare license capacity and add fee subsidies.

J

For the lowest income families, if we don't address overall affordability,.

J

Because people just won't be able to afford it after we create how many new.

J

Spaces about 7,000 new spaces. So if we don't address affordability by reducing.

J

The fees almost 50% by the time we had 7,000 spaces, we may find ourselves where.

J

We just are not serving at all the families that are now having children.

J

Yes, the study did confirm that it's the middle-income families that would likely.

D

Bequeath squeezed out of the system, so one of the proposals and the reason I.

J

Tabled that point three to increase was to add some additional funding to match.

J

The commitment we made when we approved the growth strategy and.

J

That was to match the federal provincial contributions by 20%. That's correct! So.

J

This year it was supposed to be how much eleven point two million is the twenty.

D

Percent and then we got more money than we had anticipated in the first year and.

J

I know that's why there was a great deal of pressure to spread it out, but.

J

Technically, we were to add eleven point two right now: how much of that fifty six.

J

Million dollars, actually we got fifty six million from the federal and.

J

Provincial governments, we should have put in eleven point two: how much did we.

J

Put in this year this year, we've put in two million but half committed to the.

D

Eleven point two over three years and there's no guarantee, obviously that next.

J

Year, we'll have a council that is going to commit to that we're not bound by.

J

That, in any way, right, the component of that is going to a capital project. The.

D

Ana schwabe a child care center, which will require a commitment to fund the.

J

Full cost. So if we were to look at that capital project and say, let's fund that.

J

Capital project out of the capital budget: how much money could we free up.

J

Then, to put in to address subsidies or affordability this year, that project is.

D

Five point: six million dollars; okay, so that's funded from the operating budget.

J

Thank you, councillor. Davis. Your time is up. Thank you. That's councillor, deber.

A

Maker, thank you, madam speaker. Through you.

D

Madam speaker, to our deputy city manager and independent of this great big giant.

D

Budget that we have before of us you've been working in my ward as facilities in.

D

Real estate to fix some of one of our industrial units so that the autistic.

D

Center can move into that building. This speaker, that's correct.

D

And you're aware that the projects had increase in cost because we had to.

D

Change the sprinkler system, we had to make sure the washrooms and the doors.

D

Were oh wade, ea compliant, that's correct, and normally you would have done that.

D

Through a variance process that would go into budget committee and then council is that correct right? But because the projects going to be.

D

Completed before you can report to the next variance report, we actually have to.

D

Move the motion today that is correct and are you supportive of that motion.

D

Yes, we are, and maybe to mr. frog as well chief financial officer, you're.

D

Comfortable and support the motion to finish the repairs to the city's.

L

Industrial unit at that the autistic center is going to move into. Yes, it's a.

C

It's going to be funded from a reserve, that's an appropriate reserve for that.

C

Purpose: okay, great. Thank you.

A

Thank you, counsel, wong town. Thank you very much, madam speaker.

H

And through you to our general manager of ssh, a with respect to the number of.

H

Respite beds that were opened during this these winter months, how many.

H

Additional new respite said were open in total through the chair 660 and were.

H

They fairly quickly filled up as each facility rolled out when you did have.

H

Them open come through the chair. Yes, they were at the peak of demand, filled.

D

Up fairly quickly and and you've made accommodations to do the best that you.

H

Can by by council direction and dipping into some of the reserves to pay for the.

H

Operating expenses are correct, really chair, that's correct and with respect to.

H

The the number of non shelter beds that were used as of february the 8th, I think.

H

The shelter census report said about 787 in total. As of february the 8th it was.

H

On the on the website, I just want to confirm this with you. I'm not aware of.

D

Those numbers it's it's: a combination of the the warming facilities, the the.

H

24-Hour drop in the out of the code program in the winter respite through.

D

The chair- yes, that's correct, okay, and with respect to the the even.

H

The preliminary budget that was first released and what were the recommendations that were placed forward, some of that has now changed, especially.

H

After public participation and the request for additional services, but also.

H

Through the budget process, we've seen some movement on adding additional beds.

H

And adding additional services? Is that not correct.

H

Through the chair, that's correct, but even though, with those amendments and.

H

Requests for and hand services we do not have in this budget before us as.

H

Proposed the executive committee recommended budget, we don't have.

H

Necessarily all the numbers, all the funds set aside to open 1,000 brand new.

H

Permanent beds in 2018 is that correct through the.

D

Chair in the briefing note identifies a three year plan for the 1,000 shelter.

D

Beds as well as the gsr replacement beds and the five sites other sites for this.

D

Year and the 700 respite sites, and but it would be safe to say that the.

H

Thousand new permanent beds that we would pretty much do need is that if we.

H

Deliver it over three years that maybe it may be two, it may not be as fast as.

H

We need them considering the demand for the respite and non-emergency bez right.

D

Now, through the chair, the staff are expediting that plan as quickly as we.

D

Feel as possible, and we are using other mechanisms available to us, such as motel.

D

Beds to provide to continue to provide service. But if, if because city council.

H

Was not meeting for about six months by the time we draw an end to our july.

H

Meeting to the time we come back in the 2019 cycle in january february, if you.

H

Are able to secure those 1,000 beds by finding those new facilities? You don't.

H

Have enough money in the 2018 budget now to to secure those of new facilities and.

H

Retrofit them do you through the chair. That is correct. The briefing note does.

D

Identify a three-year strategy, so if we were to empower you to do what I believe.

H

Is the will, I believe, is the intention is to over a period of time, build those.

H

1,000 new beds, then we have to give you a lease than the money to do so so.

H

You're not hamstrung for six months, while we go into election campaign mode.

D

Through the chair, that's a fair statement because we won't even be able.

H

To come back and talk about the variance reports, because council won't be meeting.

H

In the third quarter correct this year, that's correct so so.

H

Therefore, if we really are serious about building 1,000 brand new permanent beds,.

H

In 2018, then, we have to make an amendment in this budget that will allow.

H

You to have the funds necessary should those opportunities arise, and I know.

H

That you are actively and aggressively showering the real estate markets right now for those real estate opportunities.

D

Through the chair, that's correct: okay, with respect to the out of the coat.

H

Programs, which we know is the faith-based program. We've asked that.

H

Perhaps there might be some discussions with those communities about extending.

H

Their program beyond april, the 15th do you think, that's likely considering.

H

Where they are with their capacity of service that over delivery so far.

D

Through the chair, a fantastic group of volunteers, my understanding from the.

D

Past is that that has not been a possibility. Okay, thank you very much.

I

Thank you, council want, am. I have councilor.

I

Croissant a next and so far last questioner unless there are any other.

I

Questions I'm last warning katsura sanity. Thank you, madam speaker.

O

So back to my questions on on tps monthly service, so I just want to.

O

Confirm the total operating budget. That's in the report. I believe the net.

O

Budget is about 997 million. Is that correct did not? Who will answer that.

O

Maybe job counselor chris auntie there's a lot of chatter. If you were directing a.

I

Question to senior staff here, I'm gonna start your time over questions of staff.

I

Right now, councillor davis, can we clear the clouds councillor davis? Can we clear.

I

The way counselor chris and he's asking questions of the staff, so I was a.

I

Certain time again, counselor crisanta, thank you so just asking the.

O

Confirmation of the operating budget for 12th three service- I believe it says.

O

Here the net operating budget is about 997, that's correct, counselor, who answer.

R

That, right here, all right, thank you does that include. Do.

O

You tell me what the current complement of officers is sort of. What does it.

O

Include in terms of total number of officers right now, our complement is.

R

Probably around 4900, but during the year we'll have an average complement in 18.

R

Of about 48 70, I'm sorry, I missed the last part.

R

It'll be about 48 70 on average through the year, because people leave and then.

R

We also are hiring about 80 officers, if not probably another 40, so about hundred.

R

20 officers in 2018, okay, do you know many officers that actually law have.

O

Actually left the force since the implementation of the modernization plan.

O

About 18 months ago, total number of officers, it's probably about since 2016.

R

When the ttfn started we're looking at a separations of about 350 officers and.

O

You have a breakdown on how many lost due to attrition and other reasons. The.

R

Advancement, it would be separations due to retirements to resignations and to.

R

Moving into other services, probably about 10 percent, are probably about 15.

R

Percent of those actually left to go to another service on average over that.

R

Time period, 15 percent percent, okay- and how many officers have we hired? Do we.

O

Hire last year did we hire any new officers in 2017 in 2017 we had a class.

R

Of 20, who are currently at the ontario police, college, training and they'll, be.

R

On the street in may of 2018, and then we have classes of 30 and 30 in both april.

R

And august and we're actually, the chief is looking at augmenting, both those.

R

Classes by about another total of 40 officers, so we're looking at a total of.

R

About 120 by january of 2000 or december 31st of 2018, so 120 new officers by the.

O

End of this year, yes- and how many are you projecting we're going to lose by.

O

The end of this year, so this yeah yes, so we're budgeting, 160 separations right.

R

Now we are tracking ahead of that, but that's where we are continually.

R

Monitoring our separations, so that we take corrective action to ensure that.

R

We're actually managing the the separations as they occur, so that might.

R

Mean that if we start losing a lot more officers than we anticipated, then.

R

Certainly, we would go to the chief from the board just to see if we can hire more officers in 2018. But are you not already in a situation where we're.

O

Already losing more officers than projected and anticipated two years ago.

O

So in 2017 we projected 160 with leif. Actually we lost 232, so we've taken.

R

Corrective action already by hiring another 80 and now another 40, so we're.

R

Actually, mitigating that that loss by hiring in 2018, we weren't projecting to.

R

Hire any and 18, but now we've taken steps to do that. All right and- and I.

O

Think you said we did not hire any officers last year at all yeah. We just.

R

Had a class in december other than that there wasn't any officers, so so a.

R

Hundred and twenty for this year, but how is it take to hire and train these.

O

Officers so they're available for full service independent service, including.

O

Field training: how long does it take? You know to get them on the road and working.

O

Independently, so to get them on the road you're, looking at around four and a half.

R

Months between the training at the college, as well as the training that we.

R

Go through at our college and then they work with a coach officer for about nine.

R

Months and if they pass that probation then they're on the road but they're.

R

Actually working officers four and a half months after.

R

They they go into the class right, but the december people, the december class.

R

Will actually be on the road in may in may working working field training, yes,.

R

With another officer and it'll be on priority response, because we've now.

R

Moved them into action with priority response, responding to calls, as opposed.

R

To our community neighborhood officers, so if I add up all the numbers correctly.

O

I think we're still going to fall short at the 4750 unless we continue and ramp.

O

Up the hiring process, our target is 47 50 by 2019.

R

We'll continue to monitor separations, to ensure that we don't go below that and.

R

In fact, if it, if there's an accelerated separation, then we'll take action to.

R

Ensure that we mitigate that loss, okay and just my last question: can you tell.

O

Me a little bit about how we're progressing and the new model of proactive community policing how's that coming along. Because.

O

It's a it's, certainly not visible in areas. I've seen so well, one of our.

R

Deputies, whose are now responsible for community neighborhoods, he's actually.

R

Has a plan that's going to be going before the chief in command in april and.

R

I see, I think, you'll see after that, you'll see a lot more visibility in terms of some of the programs that we're going to be rolling out. So it's imminent.

R

So nice question counselor santi, that's fine! Thank you.

I

Thank you, councillor, leighton. Yes, thank you very much when I'm deputy speaker.

M

Just a first effort to transportation, and if I could who's here from.

M

Transportation, jim backstrom come to you next, so don't go far. I want to ask a.

M

Question about snow clearing on sidewalks. Ok, then, while you're doing.

M

Sorry, I should have come and told you I'll ask mr. baxter a couple questions.

M

First, so mr. baxter, there were a couple differences between what with what your division asked for for, for, transform, tío.

M

In 2017 and in 2018 and there's a couple in particular, but I just wanted to go.

M

Through them, the the better buildings partnership is unfunded by or the.

M

Differences about a million dollars to what was listed in the 2017 ask in the.

M

2018 asks: can you explain why we're not able to activate that money quicker.

E

Actually, if the better buildings partnership in 2018 will add seven.

E

People and in 2019 next year we will add six people. So basically we believe it's.

E

Funded as we had originally presented it so there's 1 million in the proposed.

M

Budget for 2018, this is the difference as the estimated cost fit in 2018 and.

M

The staff report was 1.8 million council and I'm just gonna. Stop you before you.

I

Get the answer there's a lot of noise coming from behind the speaker's chair.

I

Before I hand it back to her, she needs some quiet to hear the speakers in.

I

Question go ahead: cat counselor to you, madam.

D

Speaker at the hmm the 1 million difference is primarily a staffing issue.

D

We anticipated originally in the 2016 report that all stop would be in place.

D

By the end of 2018, but because we've reject the work plan, the there are stuff.

D

That are starting in 2019 and then a number of the stuff that are starting in.

D

2018 we're only asking for certain undermines certain certain months of.

M

Salary, not the for the rest of that investment comes in 2018. The the.

M

Leveraging the live, green funding, there's three hundred and thirty thousand dollars that is, is unaccounted for between what was originally assumed.

M

Would happen and what is being proposed, and is that the same so we're not able.

C

To spend the money this year, because we, the the motions haven't been put in.

M

Place, yes, that that is part of the reason. And and it's also because we did.

D

Reallocate some staffing in other areas to accommodate what other areas so in.

D

The tower renewal initiative there's we took snap off of tower renewal to go.

M

Into the brain or we're talking about sorry, I'm mixing up apologize. Oh that's.

D

Okay, I thought you were talking about the.

D

Live green within the context that they help in high-rise programming. No just.

M

The live green in general, it was six hundred thousand in the staff report for.

M

2018 I apologize then that's entirely. The.

D

Stuffing delay, okay and then, lastly, the community engagement activities were.

M

Only funding about halfway should I assume that it's also because.

M

We're not ready to hire the staff, so it's company, it's the staffing and then.

D

The non salary dollars, but we want to put the staffing in place before we move.

D

Forward with the noise celery dollars so had had the city move forward in the.

M

2017 budget, with the full investment, would we be in a position to better.

M

Activate and initiate all of this now in 2018, I think that's a fair assumption so.

M

That the rejigging that was mentioned is a rejigging as a result of our failure.

M

To fully invest in the 2017, this is the ripple. This is.

M

The ripple, let's go with ripple, let's go with ripple, let's say: there's a.

M

Rejigging and there's a ripple. Thank you very much.

M

On this, the sidewalk clearing of transportation are already so sidewalk.

M

Clearing happens, we're through you, madam speaker, primarily in the toronto and.

E

East york districts, where there is currently my apologies.

E

Mechanical sidewalk clearing, if that's what you're referencing yes happens,.

E

Throughout the city, where the sidewalks are wide enough, that the tractors can.

D

Maneuver through the sidewalks, the the windrow clearing, where does that happen?.

E

So the windrow clearing a game that happens throughout the city, where it's.

E

Feasible, where the clearing of the windrow would not run into issues where.

D

There's vehicles that are parked literally run into issues around. Could I.

M

Get a cot: what is the windrow cost? I know you know that, because it's listed.

M

Every year the window of clearing cost is 3, you, madam speaker, it's actually a.

M

Combined cost of both the sidewalks and windows that would be very helpful.

M

Well, the sidewalk clearing component, which is the sidewalks and the bus, stop.

R

Accounts for approximately 20% of the 90 million annual budgeted funds and can.

M

You tell me really quickly what it would cost to include all of the rest of the.

M

Sidewalks in the down in in the downtown that aren't mechanically cleaned that.

M

Was your last question and through you, madam speaker, to answer that question it.

E

Would cost approximately 3.4 million additional dollars, plus the manual crews.

E

That would be required to be about approximately another ten million dollars. Thank you, councillor m'lady. I just want to explore staffing again if.

S

Someone can answer the questions with this budget itself, how many new staff.

S

People are we putting in place so through you, madam speaker, in total on.

J

The operating side, which is for service delivery, it's an overall increase of two.

J

Hundred twenty one point: seven positions and for capital project delivery. It's.

J

Another two hundred forty two positions: well, the two hundred twenty one that I.

S

Asked about earlier was just a fragment of this we're now looking at almost 500.

S

People through us, madam speaker, the one is ongoing permanent, which are for.

J

Service delivery, the others come and go the temporary capital project positions.

J

Come and go as a project starts and ends so they're, not quite the same. How many.

J

Of them are first any union positions. I wouldn't have that information with the.

J

Counselor well, we were. I was told earlier that there were grassroot.

S

Positions they're mostly frontline and shaniek, so if their frontline are their.

S

Union positions, one can assume that most of them are and what are the wages that.

S

We're paying these particular new positions, they would vary as in some.

J

Cases we are talking about new lifeguard positions that have been transferred to.

J

Parks another case: it's firefighters for the opening of a new fire station and.

J

Forcing operators or managers are we hiring or supervisors? I wouldn't have.

J

That that breakdown- we don't know I have the total number of.

J

Positions, I don't have the breakdown by union affiliation or whether it's.

J

Management non-union, we don't know how many managers were hiring overall. These.

J

Are mostly frontline I'll stand down because I'd like to know how many.

S

Managers were actually hiring in the city of toronto with this budget. Madam.

S

Speaker I'll stand my time down for that information to come forward, so you got.

A

Three minutes counts at burnside.

D

Thank you. Three. You to the fire department on fire service about the.

P

Your service on toronto island, what's your budget for the island fire service.

D

Chavous speaker operating staffing costs for the islander approximately 2.7.

D

Million dollars per year- 2.7 million dollars per year- and you have how many.

D

Calls in 2016 there were 171 emergency incidents in 2016.

D

Most of those calls, if I'm not mistaken, were in the summer months correct. That's.

D

Correct counselor 65% of the total call volume occurs between the period of june.

D

Through september okay, so we spoke earlier and if we take the six months.

D

When all the when centreville and the yacht clubs are closed, we went through.

D

Some calculations- and they get about one call every four days- is that correct.

D

On offseason those six months on average for the for the non-peak, that's correct.

D

Counselor and if we took half of that budget of one point of two point, seven.

D

So for those six months, the budgets one point: three: five million and they're 20.

D

Firefighters assigned to the island in a rotating crew, correct, that's correct.

D

There's a missed all year: yeah five, five firefighters assigned at any given point.

D

In time for a total of twenty, what's the average cost per call in this citywide.

D

If I told you is $268, does that make sense? I'd have to do the math counselor.

D

I'm sorry I haven't. I haven't calculated that okay, if I told you the average call.

D

In the off season and the island was $29,000 with that surprise, you that.

D

Sounds about right, counselor for the for the period you described so the non peak.

D

Period right so the cost for those six months, and I know you actually break ice.

D

I think three times a day, we're not including that the average the the cost.

D

Is one point three five million for those six months. If I told you we only.

D

Collected 360,000 dollars in taxes all year round for those residents without.

D

Suppression- I am sorry counselor. I have no. I don't know about the tax clucking.

D

Thank you. Thank you. Counselor nc. Thank you. Madame speaker, 3.

D

I've got a question for the police services. Ok, if we can have somebody from.

A

Police services come down. I put your time on hold. Thank you. Okay,.

A

Go ahead. Okay, thank you. Three miles, speaker.

D

I understand the using the example, my own division, 43 division in scarborough.

D

I'm trying to understand the modeling for speed enforcement traffic.

D

Enforcement, I understand, of 43 division. They have one officer, that's dedicated.

D

To traffic enforcement in school zones and minnesota stops at intersections and.

D

That he does it on a complaint basis. Eyes honor on uh he's got a schedule.

D

That he follows is that's. What is that? What is that? What's done at every.

D

Division right across the city or is there a model or how does that work.

R

Right now, that's probably what's happening right across the city, but we.

R

Are looking at the whole traffic enforcement program much the same as the.

R

Community in neighborhood there would be a plan- that's probably going to be.

R

Presented to the chief in command in may or june of this year, that will certainly.

R

Ensure that resources are spread right across the city to cover some of the.

R

High-Risk areas in areas where we're getting perhaps more complaints than.

R

Other areas so it'll be a whole of service sort of approach, as opposed to.

R

Just having officers in one area on waiting, it'll be risk-based and based on.

R

Where we're noticing there's a lot of problems? Okay, so, and that follows up on.

D

So as part of this process, as I've been trying to figure this out during the.

D

Budget process or ramp up to it, one of the police board members sent an email.

D

Last year and asked about concerns, I raised this very specific concern and I.

D

Was told that, on a slow day, officers would move from another division to.

D

Cover cover that off when they had a slow day. And when I asked frontline.

D

Officers and 43 division about that. They said that never happens. It looks nice on.

D

Paper but it never happens, that's going to happen because that's the whole of.

R

Service approach that we're using so that people are not constrained by.

R

Boundaries on a page that they'll be be responding to where we need them. The.

R

Most and that's really what the district model is all about. Our solid line will.

R

Become dotted lines? Okay, all right! Thank you very much. Thank you, madam speaker.

A

Thank you, counselor pasternak. Yes, thank you, madam speaker.

P

I'll start off with parks, forestry and recreation. Recently we announced the.

P

Additional capacity of 20,000 20,000 new new spaces to eat await our wait lists.

P

Just want to confirm that that is embedded in this budget and you'll be able to meet those goals. Dozen 18 through you, madam speaker, that is.

D

Embedded in the budget and was added during the budget review process right.

P

So we seem to be hitting record participation visits. Your analyst notes.

P

Are up to ten point, eight million now three months ago, that's correct and when.

D

It comes to instructional programs, which is where the additional 20,000 spaces.

D

Will be, we currently have over 600 20,000 registrations and instructional.

D

Programs and as noted earlier, almost 200,000 on the waiting list, so we've got.

P

A small increased staff complement to to help with that. How are we doing on the.

P

Booking tool we announced at the regent park aquatic center that we had brought.

P

In some tech people to help families book with ease, how are we doing on that.

P

Throw three, madam speaker, we're trying to address that on two fronts: we've done.

D

Some in term improvements based on the technology that we have now that we've.

D

Gotten some very positive feedback that has increased the speed that which.

D

People are able to register and we've also embarked on rfp to replace the.

D

System altogether, which is currently in a review process and we'll be coming.

D

Forward with our recommendations in june, that's great now use spaces. I see 11 in.

P

The budget expansion is that through you, madam speaker, youth spaces, insofar as.

P

They would be embedded in various rec centers or write the existing youth.

D

Program that we have is embedded into the budget. That's correct, there's also.

D

Some expansion of youth spaces and youth hubs through the toronto library budget.

D

As well, okay, great thank you very much. Next set of questions are for children's.

P

Services growth strategy on cap- all 2019 2027- is about 21 million.

P

Dollars is that for capital capital, it's actually about 1.6 billion dollars in.

D

Capital over the 10 years and how many.

P

New centers will that's it's 30,000 new spaces, so it would be several thousand.

D

New centers and are we on track for a 40 to 50 percent subsidization rate, as we.

D

Grow the capital. Yes, we are on track for cadet to continue to subsidize 40 to 50.

D

Percent of the existing system and the system as it grows.

P

Now we also get spaces childcare spaces from the private sector through section.

P

37 agreements is that factored into the capacities that you're, referring to in.

P

Other words, if we have a developer, build a daycare that is not a part of your.

P

Capital plan- that is a third party build-out, yes, but we do factor all of.

D

That into our numbers, and also faith-based capacity building, as well as.

P

Home base do we factor that as well? Yes, we do.

P

Okay, great now, we've been asking the provincial and federal government to pay.

P

A greater share of our of our daycare costs over the years numbers indicate.

P

That they have been coming to the table, they have especially commencing in 2017.

D

Where they both made a major investment to grow the cysts of the system and to.

D

Address affordability, so if they pay more, then wouldn't it be natural that.

P

Our percentage would would shrink a little bit based on just simple mathematics if someone is contributing more coming to.

P

The table with more based on our simple based on simple mathematics. Yes, there is.

D

No required cost-sharing for the growth resources, but we do get a utilization.

D

Component of funding that is based on what the city invest. Over and above its.

D

At minimum cost share requirements so, based on what's before us, we're gonna.

P

See more spaces and more subsidies than in toronto's history is that is that a.

P

Fair assumption, yes, that's correct! Okay. Thank you very much. Next question is for tch tch great sheela rumor. Has it there's.

P

About six hundred units or apartments that are uninhabitable is that is that.

P

Figure correct, or is that just a rumor that was the number that we had.

J

Presented to council yes, and is there a plan to rehabilitate them through shape.

P

Funding so we are prioritizing capital to get those units back in service, but.

I

Not through shape funding through other capital funding that the city and others.

H

Are providing is there? Is there a plan to get those back on the marketplace.

K

With the exception of fir grove, yes, there is okay.

P

Last set of questions very quickly with shelters, council and community.

P

Development recreation have passed dozens of motions to create a strategic.

P

Roadmap to fix our shelter system, not that there's anything overly wrong with.

P

That you inherited a system that had problems. Are you able to meet all the.

P

Deadlines embedded in those motions and that strategic plan and come back to.

P

Council, let's say in the first quarter with with with a plan going forward that.

A

Was your last question through the chair, we are bringing back a significant.

D

Report on february 28th to see drc. Also, with the briefing note that's before you.

D

Today, related to the thousand shelter beds, 11 sites and the 700 respite beds,.

D

There is a three-year plan in place there and we believe that we'll be able.

D

To meet those targets, thank you, councillor perks. Thank you to affordable.

R

Housing staff. Thank you mr. garden.

R

We had a report at the tenant issues committee on friday and the the staff.

R

Who worked on it weren't here, but what they had done is look at the rental.

R

Market by different segments, you know the above the above average.

R

Average and they had a segment that was people in shared accommodation and.

R

Dwelling rooms and they found that the price of rental there is increasing.

R

Considerably as that fit your experience, that's our experience through the chair.

R

Also, we got told by by staff, I'm not sure if it was from your office or tch.

R

See that the amount of income that someone gets say if they're on ontario.

R

Works or some other form of social assistance isn't enough to cover that.

R

Rent is that your experience as well through the chair, that is our experience.

D

That it's very challenging for persons on social assistance to compete in the.

R

Private market further, we were told that even if the city donated land and waived.

R

All fees and charges for new construction, the private market, cannot.

R

Construct such that we we could even cover they could even cover the carrying.

R

Costs at the kind of rents that people on social assistance are paying is that.

R

Your experience as well through the chair councillor, the private market, will.

D

Construct it, but the subsidies that they require are much deeper, so it would.

R

Require public subsidy to provide housing to people in that segment of the.

R

Rental market to find housing at all, that's correct and I believe in answer.

R

To a question that you that I posed to you during the airbnb debate, rental.

R

Units in that segment of the market are disappearing faster than they're being.

R

Built because of development pressures and other pressures right now is that.

R

Correct through the charity of said, is correct counsel. So, in summary, we're.

R

Losing units in that segment of the market, the private sector, cannot build.

R

For segment of the market, unless there's additional public subsidy and there and and people are losing units in that.

R

Segment of the market because of development pressures, that's all correct,.

O

Through the chair, yes, that is correct, counselor so effectively. If you are at.

R

The bottom end of the rental market: right now you risk being evicted. Many of.

R

Those units are not covered under our rental retention, bylaw and no new unit.

R

Is being built for you to be housed in through the chair, there are some I'm.

S

Sorry there are we're losing them faster than.

R

They're disappearing, but there is some housing production. That's occurring.

D

Particularly with in partnership with the federal and provincial governments,.

D

And we are looking at and we have strategies to prevent people from losing.

O

Their homes as well, such as the rent bank and also housing, help centers, okay,.

R

Thank you very much. Thank you councillor dissent. Thank you, madam.

K

Speaker, my questions are to parks. Could you explain to us please.

K

What the parks ambassador program is and why a briefing note was requested for us.

K

To enhance the program so through you, madam speaker, the parks ambassador.

D

Program is a program. That's been around for several years. It's a mobile crew of.

D

Parks staff who go from park to park and through either recommendations or.

D

Reporting's from staff and the public will look at park encampments and.

D

Various other uses of parks that may impede public access into them, so right.

K

Now I believe we have one full-time person who covers 44 wards. So three of.

D

Them speaker currently, the current budget provides for one full-time.

D

Year-Round parks ambassador, as well as in the summer one six month, seasonal.

D

Parks ambassador through we were requested to look at what additional.

D

Service levels in this area might look like, and staff outlined in a in a report.

J

To the parks and environment committee, you know a an expansion of the program.

J

That could include an additional one: full-time staff.

D

As well as an additional three seasonal staff, so that we would go from two crews.

D

One crew in the summer to three crews. Now my understanding is that this.

K

Program was started in the downtown core several years ago. Would you agree that.

K

This program is now needed in other parts of a city, not just in the downtown.

K

Ward's so three, madam speaker, the predominantly the the number of.

D

Interactions are downtown but as the report outlines and the briefing note.

D

Outlines there has been over the last few years, an increase in the amount of.

D

Referrals to parks, ambassadors in other areas of the city as well.

K

Thank you very much. Brady appreciate this. Thank you counts there, matt lowe.

F

Madam speaker, through you perhaps to the city manager, do we use have yet have a.

F

Set from the preliminary work, that's being done on the relief subway line, do.

F

We have any capital city capital dollars directly allocated to building that.

F

Project, yes, we do. We have capital dollars.

D

Associated with the planning and design work and ttc- and we have some dollars.

D

That are associated with the work that the staff are doing on the t pap um with.

F

All due respect, I said, aside from the preliminary work, that's being done.

F

Do we have city capital dollars allocated to building that line.

D

Madam speaker, no, not us yet that money has not been identified and.

D

We're looking for both provincial and federal dollars, as instructed by counsel.

D

Previously in march, thank you thank you for clarifying your answer. How about the.

F

About the eglinton east extension, the lrt to u of t scarborough, do we have any.

F

Capital dollars allocated to that project, as of today through the speaker.

E

All I'll answer that we have capital dollars to take us to 5% design, but we.

E

Do not have capital dollars beyond that for concern. Thank you so again,.

F

Aside from preliminary work, we don't actually have capital dollars allocated.

F

From the city to build it, what are what about the waterfront lrt? We had an.

F

Important conversation about that, the other day do we have city capital dollars allocated to that project. Out of speaker.

D

We have some capital dollars in the boethius, the city planning and in the.

D

Ttc budget for a portion of the waterfront extension from the exhibition.

D

Place to a different gate, part of the project, but not the entire. Otherwise, the.

D

Money that we need would have to come from additional city dollars, federal and.

D

Provincial dollars, looking for first of gretz yeah, the roughly one hundred and.

F

Eighty-One thousand people who are on the waiting list for social housing do.

F

We have any clear idea of where the capital dollars will come from to create.

F

More social housing- and when I say more I mean enough through the chair, so there.

D

Is significant capital funds going in to teach.

D

Thc this year, in terms of new social housing, there is not capital funds to.

D

Build new social housing so but the politics here and let's just put.

F

The math right here, if we don't have enough money, we don't have money to.

F

Build the relief line when we've got people stefon like sardines on and on.

F

Dangerous platforms every morning rush hour or afternoon rush hour, we don't.

F

Have money for the promised eglinton crosstown, the east, lrt? We don't have.

F

Enough money for the waterfront lrt, we don't have enough money to build social.

F

Housing to support all those people waiting and I've just named actually.

F

Some of the probably the most high-profile capital commitments that.

F

We've made there's thirty to forty billion dollars, councillor madla. What is.

A

Your question, my question is this: would staff support us moving forward with a.

F

Conversation with the province to allow for a more substantial revenue source to.

F

Work together to cover those commitments beyond what we have today, staff have.

N

Been consistently clear that council will at some point need to choose a path.

N

And it will either be a smaller government path. It's consistent with its current revenue capacity or it will meet its existing service levels and require.

N

Modest levels of revenue increase or it will be to fulfill the myriad city.

N

Building commitments, including the ones you indicated before, if we are going to.

N

Meet that that set of commitments, then we will require significant investment.

N

Provincially federally and again yes likely from city sources and of course,.

N

Staff would would support a broader explanation of potential increases in.

N

Our revenue capacity and if we are going to be asking the federal government and.

F

The provincial government for more capital dollars would it be helpful to.

F

Have more dollars in our in our city building fund to be able to provide.

F

Matching funds to be able to release generally speaking this, the other.

N

Governments will look closely at what we've done with our existing allocation.

N

And want to know if we've used fully or maximized our existing revenue potential.

N

Before entertaining much of a dialogue around future new tools, thank you thank you, counts their holiday. Thank you, madam speaker. I.

B

Have two lines of questions: the first, the cfo? The second will be ttc, so I'll.

B

Just give them a heads up I'll need them at the microphone um earlier in the.

B

Debate, I think the number just confirm through the cfo the number that I had.

B

Heard regarding the municipal land transfer tax with respect to the.

B

Assignment of capital projects was that 40 million dollars. Yes, we set aside 40.

C

Million from the land transfer tax towards capital, do we have a formal.

B

Policy on that, or is that sort of the way that it's evolved and it's we've got.

B

About 5%, in fact, that was what what council adopted the last two budgets is.

B

What I be fair to classify capital work is somewhat, is elastic and that we got.

B

To get it done, but if it's not done this year, it can slide into the next year.

B

Which, in turn creates a little bit of fluidity with our need for the ml tt.

B

Money, certainly our capital program. Could it's flexible? Do you think it'd be.

B

Prudent to think about a percentage policy or changing that ratio, given some.

B

Of the concerns of council members about the future stability of the ml tt, do you.

B

Think maybe, as a council, we should visit that policy and see if there might be a.

B

Better way to match spending in and how we apply the revenue from the ml tt to.

B

Our operating and capital budgets, I think that's, certainly a consideration.

C

And I believe the city manager will be reporting out on a long term fiscal plan.

C

And certainly that will include revisiting on of the allocation of ml tt.

C

Revenue, thank you over to the ttc I'm curious a little bit about some of the.

B

Ridership forecast when it comes to the to our fare past system so specifically.

B

We talked about 4% of existing non past pay paid rides as ones that might take.

B

Advantage of a two hour window, can someone describe to me how that forecast.

B

Came about three metal speakers, so there was a.

F

Review of some of the data that we would have coming through, our presto rides in.

B

Terms of taps that we would have that would occur within the two-hour window.

B

We were able to extrapolate from that data based on what our estimates are for.

B

Presto growth, in terms of what type of percentage increase we would get that.

B

Would take advantage of that service? So what were the numbers? So, okay, what.

B

Percentage of riders used to press so today, roughly by year-end, our number was.

B

Roughly 18 percent 18 percent so of the 18 percent. What percent of those chained.

B

Rides together, or you saw evidence that sparked some kind of demand that people.

B

Were paying that extra fare that might benefit from this system? What did you find in the presto data? That's not in the briefing note here! That's why I'm.

B

Curious yeah, so essentially that was the exact data that we use to determine the.

B

Revenue loss- and that was the basis it wasn't a projection. It was based on the.

B

Actual trips that were occurring within the two hour time window that we would.

B

No longer be able to receive the revenue for those trips and it was roughly around that 4% mark 4%. So the the the briefing note says that it was the.

B

Transportation tomorrow survey that marked the 4%, but it would it be fair to.

B

Say that the presto data accurately reflected that, okay, with respect to.

B

Metro pass holders they enjoy this privilege today, and I guess the thinking.

B

Is is that we would change things around a little bit? Is there any concern that.

B

Some metropass users will stop subscribing to the metro pass system.

B

Because they can find a better deal, I mean transit riders. We usually figure.

B

Out the shortest way, from a to b in the cheapest way. To yes, that's correct.

K

Yep there is, there is concern. We have any idea what that is.

B

I didn't, I don't know if I saw that quantified in here in terms of loss of.

B

Metro price riders- the three madam speaker, so there was.

B

Here you, madam speaker, so there was an analysis. So when we looked at the amount.

F

Of metropass users that would convert, we factored that into the numbers that we.

F

Provided they don't believe that it was a number that was substantial.

B

Considering the fact that we're looking at applying this only at those people that are on presto, okay, the cost of this, I think, is twenty million dollars on an.

B

Annualized or an ongoing basis, twenty twenty point, one: twenty point: nine.

B

Something like that, what is the cost.

B

What is the revenue gained by a modest fare increase? What was it in the past? I.

B

Think we raised ten cents back in 2016, two dollars and ninety cents to three.

B

Dollars, cash. Sorry prepaid fare, I believe, of $0.10 of.

B

Roughly a 10 cent fare increase across all fair media would be roughly, I think.

D

It was ballpark thirty, thirty-five million dollars, thirty to thirty five.

B

Min that's ten cents, and so we haven't had a fare increase since twenty. Sixteen.

B

Since that ten cents there was a fare increase as part of the.

B

2017 budget process, no, it was not a fight against the metro. Pass is on the.

B

Metro car, no, it was not was your last question. Thank you. Thank you.

A

Councillor, wasn't there somebody else there yeah, it just counts from I'm lady.

A

When they tell me they have the information on counts to mcmahon there.

A

Was another council on there? I got it. I thought it was somebody else there. Okay,.

J

So I just have some questions for you, madam speaker,.

J

About our climate change action plan, so just I think, there's been some confusion.

J

And- and I asked this in executive- but not everyone was there so there's.

J

Confusion with these numbers going around so there was a six point: seven.

J

And now two point: five and just if you could explain that to us.

E

Thank you counselor and through the the speaker, so last year we were asked to.

E

Come up with a budget for transform teal when we had a three year plan, 20 17, 18,.

E

And 19 and the number for 2018 at that time was six point: seven million dollars.

E

And there were a number of assumptions built into that and you know we're a.

E

Year later and and things how our assumptions have changed a little bit.

E

But just to work through it. Last year's you recall, council did approve six staff.

E

As part of transform tío when you annualize them, that's the 723 million.

E

Dollar, 723 thousand dollar number and that's in addition to the the number.

E

We've asked for in 18, which is a number that you see in the budget of 2.5, for.

E

Seven million dollars so that's three point: two: seven million dollars in 17.

E

And 18, when you annualize the 18 numbers, because we've got 10 staff, we're.

E

Proposing to be added in april, that's only 9 months this year and another 15.

E

Starting in july, that's only six months this year, there's another million.

E

Dollars worth the cost that build-up to the annualization, so we've got that the.

E

Plan always was a three-year plan, so we had 10 staff in addition being added in.

E

2019 in april, so that's another 2 million dollars next year for the 10.

E

Additional staff, in addition to that there were some numbers that came off. We.

E

There was a $350,000 element that was forecast last year, but we took that out.

E

Because we found other funding for it, there were modifications to work.

E

Programs that were presented last year, we've worked, we've taken, 50 thousand.

E

Dollars out of that, so in total that that adds up to the 6.7 million dollars.

E

We had proposed a year ago and are you receiving funding from other sources yep.

E

One of the positions that we received funding for last year was.

E

A fun position to basically do that to go out and seek funding from other.

E

Sources so since then we hired this individual in q3 of last year, we've made.

E

Application to the provincial municipal challenge fund, which is monies that are.

E

Being read, I'd redirected into the marketplace and were collected through.

E

The the provincial cap and trade program we that we applied for 29 projects worth.

E

A collective 250 million dollars and out of that, the the grant component that.

E

We've applied for one hundred and ten million, so we've got that we've received.

E

Monday, we receive funding from fcm we've received funding from the urban.

E

Sustainability directors, network and from c40, so that's very active and we're.

E

Being pretty successful with that, okay, so, at the end of the day, how many people.

I

Will we have to shepherd through our climate action change plan so last year.

E

When we submitted the plan, we had 52 people in the plan and when we're.

E

Finished next april, at this time next year we will have 52 people and who do I.

D

Send my resume to thanks. Thank you. Okay, we kallstrom a.

A

Melody has three more minutes so do we have the answers for councillor milady.

A

So through you, madam chair, I'm sorry we.

J

Don't have that information at this point I can say that most of them, the.

J

Majority would be managed would be non, it would be unionized staff, supplemented.

J

By positions like analysts and other kinds of non-union staff and very few.

J

That that I am aware of of any direct managers or supervisors, but.

J

Unfortunately, I just don't have that that data collected as we still don't.

J

Know what all the positions are until they're, funded and okay, this? This is a.

S

Public meeting and I think the the fact that this is the only opportunity I get.

S

To ask this question: doesn't get relayed to the public and- and I would imagine.

S

Well, this is an important part of the process. Councillor fletcher is is for us.

S

To relay the information to people that are tuning in it's a part of this.

S

Process, it's called democracy, and so now I I'm not subject to ask questions about.

S

How many managers were hiring? Maybe I can ask a question and- and that is if.

S

We're hiring managers, are we giving them cars? Are we reading contracts and, if so,.

S

Is that a part of this budget is every manager that we're hiring gonna get a.

S

Car bouncer man believe this or don't have that information. They've said that.

A

But it's what we're approving a budget councillor ma'am, leading questions on.

A

That budget do not not answering the questions yeah. Well, they don't have the.

A

Answer to that particular question, but I am happy to answer the the broader.

N

Questions we do have an understanding of the number of staff. We have a number of.

N

An understanding that that brings us up to about even with the number of staff.

N

We were reduced by last year so of the 55,000 staff totally involved with the.

N

City of toronto, the number remains essentially the same as it was in 2016.

N

So we're back to that point with the the increases and no, we are not giving the.

N

Managers, cars- almost all of these are front lines to the reason we do not know. The exact answers is because this is a very small.

N

Incremental increase it will be phased and out over in over the full course of.

N

The year we haven't even classified these positions yet so let me just get.

S

This straight, then, we're hiring we're hiring almost 500 people and we don't.

S

Know what positions they're going to be? What we understand is the difference.

N

Between the capital and the operating, we know where they will be going. We do not.

N

Necessarily understand, in all instances, on a base of over 50,000 positions, the.

N

Exact details of them, we know that the vast majority of them will be frontline.

N

And frankly, we're very proud of the very tight management we've brought to the.

N

Overall fte situation over the last number of years: okay, that's that your.

A

Time is up. Thank you, your time's up, councillor matt lowe to speak. Madam.

E

Speaker, I have a motion, okay and my motion is to once again request that the.

F

Province, allow us the ability to have a share of the harmonized sales tax and, if.

F

Not granted granted to be able to have our own either way. We don't have enough.

F

Revenue to be able to cover all of the promises we've made all the commitments.

F

We know are important and to respond to all the needs that we know are out there.

F

And we have two options: we can either show courage and do something that is.

F

Admittedly, controversial and difficult but necessary and finally to be able to.

F

Provide sufficient fundings to the city building fund and, by the way, mind you. I.

F

Just want to remind you, the current city building fund is estimated to be roughly.

F

73 million dollars a year over the next five they're, phased in by 2021. This.

F

Based on kpmg could generate roughly two hundred and sixty one two hundred and.

F

Sixty two million dollars a year, roughly a billion over the next four. That would.

F

Give us our real start, especially if we match funds with other orders of.

F

Government, so we have two options: either respond.

F

The fact that we have people everyday squeezed in like sight, sardines on our.

F

Current subway system in dangerous conditions on our platforms dealing with.

F

Unacceptable situations on our streetcar lines in an overcrowded system, we have.

F

Over 180,000 citizens, people in our city, who are currently waiting for a.

F

Respectable place to live that they can afford. We have real life-and-death.

F

Challenges and we have real basic quality of life challenges. We also have.

F

People who complain to us every day, each of you, each of you hear about the.

F

Standards for snow clearing you hear about the stanzas for by law enforcement.

F

You hear about every single day what about traffic enforcement in your.

F

Neighborhoods, your your residents believe that it's adequate. So if it's a.

F

Specific local issue or a big picture issue, people are saying that the.

F

Standards, we've said are not enough, so one option is we move forward with the.

F

Request for a sales tax have courage. Do the right thing, do what's honest? Do it's.

F

True to its rights and be leaders now there is another option: let's just.

F

Believe that the status quo is good enough and do nothing, is that what you.

F

Hear I don't hear that, do you? Do you hear from your residents that they're.

F

Happy with everything just the way it is, I don't hear that so you can law. I guess.

F

There's a third option: you could be a politician who gets up dishonestly.

F

Pretends to just freeze all taxes do nothing and also complain about the.

F

Standards of our services, but we wouldn't do that, would we.

F

So I think, there's only one option: if we're going to be leaders requests will.

F

We know we need by the way I told you that it might be controversial or.

F

Radical, it's actually we're the exception to the rule. We are an anomaly.

F

In toronto, we always talk about wanting to be a world-class city. Why can't we be.

F

Like new york, why can't we have a transit system like new york? Yes, what.

F

They don't just have a sales tax, they've got a list of taxes and an income tax. Why can't we be like los angeles? They go.

F

Into why can't we be like london, you've got a value-added tax. Why can't we be.

F

Like buffalo they've got one, I mean seriously.

F

Like the things we get all nervous about politically, oh my gosh. What if I do this.

F

Somebody's gonna scream at me, you know what they should be screaming us about.

F

We have this amazing opportunity to be elected. We are elected to represent.

F

People and we've got this moment in life, whether it be four years or a few more.

F

Years, but for something, but we have this moments in our lives that we can.

F

Actually make a tangible difference in people's lives. If you care about.

F

Snow-Clearing well, let's raise the standards you want accessible, sidewalks.

F

Let's get them plowed, let's get them shoveled. If you actually.

F

Care about housing, you actually care about these people who are in desperate.

F

Situations do something about it. Don't just say it's bad. Let's actually do.

F

Something about raising the revenue that we need to address that issue. What about.

F

Your residents, who who do rely on transit every single day, who cannot.

F

Right now predict what time they're going to get to work. What time they're.

F

Going to get to school and they're on dangerous platform squeezed out what are.

F

You gonna do about them. Are you just gonna huff and puff and say it's awful.

F

Or, are you going to put your vote where your mouth is? Thank you councillor.

A

Mantle. Thank you. Thank you. Okay, where we will recess to 6:30.