On Tuesday, January 16th, the City of Toronto hosted a hybrid town hall meeting to discuss the prepared 2024 Budget. With half of the engagement held in person and the other conducted via Zoom, the city is embodying its commitment to inclusivity and transparency.
Homelessness among Torontonians and asylum seekers is an issue prevalent in Regent Park, and throughout the Downtown East. The prepared budget aims to tackle this issue, but not without its drawbacks. The operating budget of 17$ billion is being supported by a 9% residential property tax increase. According to Councillor Carroll, this tax spike of 10.5% will be short-lived, and is only there to amend covid-19 debts, 12 years of service cuts and differing fiscal planning. The budget is also vital to maintain social programs, some of which are incredibly beneficial to the Regent Park neighbourhood. Dixon Hall is among them, providing food drives, shelter services, and youth programs. Nevertheless, the tax spike has raised concerns among the lower-income residents in Regent Park, and around the rest of the Downtown East.