Toronto Mayor John Tory has officially submitted his letter of resignation following approval of his $16.2 billion budget Wednesday night which includes a 5.5 per cent residential property tax increase – the largest since amalgamation.
The 2023 budget also includes a $48.3-million increase to Toronto’s police budget and a five per cent cut in transit service compared to last year, or a nine per cent cut compared to pre-pandemic levels. While the budget earmarks a 6.5 per cent increase to shelter, support and housing administration, the city has said it could close five of its temporary shelter sites this year.
During Wednesday’s meeting council also approved an additional $8 million in spending, some of which which will go towards funding an additional 24/7 warming centre, additional funding for The 519 Community Centre, increase the number of mental health outreach workers on the TTC, and provide more rent relief for people who need it.
Another motion, brought by newcomer Coun. Alejandra Bravo attempted to redirect $900,000 from the police budget to providing 24-7 respite centres for people experiencing homelessness but did not pass.
The motion drew significant debate, with Coun. Gary Crawford saying the nearly $1-million divestment could cost Toronto police money intended to hire additional officers to boost safety and improve response times.
Coun. Perks argued that some on council were hampering efforts to house city residents.
“Any time someone tells you that the wealthiest city in Canada … can’t provide somewhere to live for everybody who lives here, erase what’s being told to you. What is actually happening is that some in this chamber won’t,” he said.
The budget was the first prepared under new “strong mayor” powers granted by the provincial government, giving Tory a veto over any changes proposed and the ability to push through his fiscal plan with only one-third council support. Tory indicated after all the motions were voted on that he would not exercise his veto powers.
Tory called it the toughest budget process he’s ever experienced.
“The budget protects frontline services. It keeps increases borne by taxpayers as low as possible,” he said.
Tory had announced on Friday he would resign after admitting to an “inappropriate relationship” with a former staffer. But his office said Monday that he would remain in the mayor’s chair to see his fiscal plan debated by council.
The budget debate was interrupted several times by protesters who loudly booed Tory and took issue with his presence as he attempted to speak ahead of the process. At least three protesters were physically removed from City Hall by security.
Moments after the meeting was adjourned, Tory submitted his letter of resignation with City Clerk John Elvidge, effective Friday, February 17.
“I will be spending the next two days in meetings with Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie and City staff to continue to ensure an orderly transition,” reads the letter.
“This has been the job of a lifetime, and while I have let many people, including myself, down in this instance, I have nonetheless been deeply honoured by the opportunity to serve the people of this wonderful city for more than eight years and I hope I achieved some good for the city I truly love.”
Tory faced several calls to stay in office, with Premier Doug Ford among those who wanted him to remain at the city’s helm.
Ford said Tory has been a “phenomenal partner” and it was not time to change the leadership of the city because everything was going “tickety-boo.”
Ford also warned that if a “left mayor gets in there, God help the people of Toronto.”
“If a left-wing mayor gets in there, we’re toast. I’ll tell you, it’d be a disaster in my opinion,” the premier said during an unrelated announcement in Brampton earlier in the day.
Several Tory council allies also pressed the mayor to stay on.
“Our recommendation is that he take some time off, wait for the integrity commissioner’s report and then that will be tabled at council _ we’ll make a decision,” said Coun. James Pasternak, speaking to reporters before the meeting.
But Coun. Gord Perks, a vocal critic of the mayor, said Tory must follow through with his resignation.
“He has to own it,” Perks said.
Files from The Canadian Press were used in this report
