Toronto Mayor Proposes New Property Taxes to Fund Transit and Housing

The proposal by Mayor John Tory is being hailed as a game changer in Canada's most populous city.

1 minute read

December 6, 2019, 6:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Toronto Streetcar

The City of Toronto / Flickr

Jennifer Pagliaro reports that Toronto Mayor John Tory announced this week a plan "to increase the city building fund, a special levy on property taxes dedicated to transit and housing projects, by eight per cent over the next six years."

"It is the most significant financial move of his mayoralty, five years on, as he comes face-to-face with budget cuts by the province, a difficult 2020 budget process and massive backlogs in TTC and Toronto Community Housing repairs," adds Pagliaro.

According to the article, the proposal has strong support from both critics and supporters of the mayor, and is likely to have strong support in the Toronto City Council.

Pagliaro provides news coverage of the proposal, but The Star's editorial board chimed in quickly on the issue as well, expressing relief that the mayor is acting on a need that has been obvious in the city for years.

Wednesday, December 4, 2019 in The Star

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

High-rise apartment buildings in Waikiki, Hawaii with steep green mountains in background.

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss

The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

April 6, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Two yellow and white Dallas Area Rapid Transit light rail streetcars at station in Dallas, Texas.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region

At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

April 3, 2025 - KERA News

Blue and white Seattle Link light rail train exiting concrete Downtown Bellevue Tunnel in Bellevue, WA.

Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?

Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.

April 7, 2025 - Todd Litman

Close-up on cardboard sign reading 'No Kings' being held up at protest at Tesla offices in Brooklyn, New York.

Dear Tesla Driver: “It’s not You, It’s Him.”

Amidst a booming bumper sticker industry, one writer offers solace to those asking, “Does this car make me look fascist?”

1 hour ago - The Globe and Mail

Block packed with Chinese-and English-language marquees and signs in New York City's Chinatown.

A Visual Celebration of Manhattan’s Chinatown Elder Community, Through Food

Lanterns, cafeteria trays, and community connection take center stage in this stunning photo essay.

3 hours ago - Civil Eats

Amtrak Acela

How to Make US Trains Faster

Changes to boarding platforms and a switch to electric trains could improve U.S. passenger rail service without the added cost of high-speed rail.

April 11 - Bloomberg CityLab