Happy new year! This week the City of Toronto's 2023 Budget was released. As we know, budgets convey priorities. We are still digging into the details, one thing that is clear: while people in Toronto are struggling, the choices in this budget do not do enough to make life better.

The budget process this year is shorter than before, just 30 days, and a bit different than previous years because of the "Strong Mayor" powers.

We are looking at less TTC service, more expensive recreation programs, no new child care spaces and emergency housing that is beyond capacity. We need better investments in parks, transit, housing, and real community safety for how much more is being asked of us.

Your voice in this process counts if we’re going to make a difference! Here are three ways to be heard:

1. Councillor Moise and I will be hosting a joint town hall this Monday, January 16 at 6:00 pm. Learn more below, and register to attend in person or online here.
2. You can speak directly to the Budget Committee on Tuesday, January 17 or Wednesday, January 18, in-person or online. Register by email at buc@toronto.ca or call 416-392-4666.
3. Written submissions can be sent to the Budget Committee at buc@toronto.ca and Mayor Tory at mayor_tory@toronto.ca .

Today at the Budget Committee I was asking for more answers, division by division. I will share more about what I find. The Mayor will be proposing his budget on February 1, with the final budget proposal going to City Council on February 14.

Let's work together to advocate and fight for changes that reflect our needs in Spadina-Fort York, and across Toronto. It is going to take all of us build a better Toronto.

Ausma

Ausma Malik
City Councillor 
Ward 10, Spadina–Fort York

• 2023 Budget Town Hall
• Vacant Home Tax
• Newly-elected Councillors unite on community safety

In Our Community

• Quayside Waterfront Revitalization
• Ontario Place - Narrating Past, Present and Potential
• Under Gardiner Public Realm Plan Open House

Declarations are due by February 2, 2023. Go online to complete your declaration, or call 311 to have a paper copy of the declaration form mailed to you.

Submit your Declaration

A property is considered vacant if it has been unoccupied for a total of six months during the previous calendar year or is otherwise deemed to be vacant under the bylaw.

The goal of the City of Toronto’s Vacant Home Tax (VHT) is to increase the supply of housing by discouraging owners from leaving their residential properties unoccupied. Homeowners who choose to keep their properties vacant will be subject to this tax.

Revenues collected from the Vacant Home Tax will be allocated towards affordable housing initiatives.

The Waterfront Toronto Board of Directors has approved a Project Agreement with Dream Unlimited and Great Gulf Group, known as Quayside Impact. This announcement comes after Quayside Impact was selected in February 2022 through a competitive process with the goal of creating a liveable, zero-carbon, inclusive community that connects Toronto and residents to the waterfront.

The Agreement sets the requirements, expectations, terms and conditions for the overall development project. These terms include commitments that align with the goals of the project:

• 800-plus affordable housing units, with implementation beginning in the first phase of development.

• 3.5 acres of public space, including a car-free green space stretching from Parliament Street to Bonnycastle Street.

• Innovative low-carbon development, including Canada’s largest tall-timber structure.

With this Agreement approval, the Quayside project continues to advance implementation of the innovative, new model of development that will transform Toronto’s waterfront into the complete community imagined for the site.

As part of the DesignTO Festival, Ontario Place – Narrating Past, Present, and Potential is an exhibition at the Stackt Market (28 Bathurst Street) that examines narratives and design speculations that invite members of the public to contribute their own memories, ideas, and stories. This exhibition documents Ontario Place’s role as a public asset, allowing users to recognize the cultural significance the park has played. Speculative narratives are showcased to prompt conversations of Ontario Place’s capacity to realize its original ambition as a place for everyone. 

Visit the Exhibition website for more information. The exhibition runs from January 20 to 29, noon to 8:00 pm.

In Partnership with the City of Toronto, The Bentway is developing the Under Gardiner Public Realm Plan (PRP) to outline how the expressway- from Dufferin to the DVP- can evolve to better serve our city.

Come join an interactive drop-in Open House at the Bentway Studio (55 Fort York Boulevard) to learn more and share your thoughts. The event is free and you can come anytime, but you can also RSVP at Under Gardiner Public Realm Plan Open House Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite.