At the Budget Subcommittee meetings on January 21 and 22, 2025, residents from across Toronto gathered at City Hall and virtually to voice their concerns and advocate for priorities in the City’s 2025 Capital and Operating Budgets. The hearings provided an essential platform for public input, with impactful testimonies from a diverse array of communities.
Among the most impactful testimonies were those from Regent Park residents, who painted a vivid picture of the challenges faced by their community. Speakers called for urgent investments in affordable housing, youth programs, and the Social Development Plan in Regent Park to address the ongoing issues of gentrification and economic inequality. Two residents also highlighted the valuable work of Regent Park TV and advocated for more support for the station, emphasizing its role in amplifying community voices and fostering local engagement.
Community members voiced strong opposition to the proposed $46.2 million budget increase for Toronto Police Service, arguing that these funds would be better spent on initiatives that address the root causes of crime, such as housing, youth employment, and community programs. The growing consensus among residents is clear: invest in people, not policing.
These powerful voices underscored the critical need for a budget that reflects the diverse needs of all Torontonians, especially marginalized neighborhoods like Regent Park. The deputations served as both a plea and a reminder of the City’s responsibility to tackle systemic inequities through meaningful resource allocation.
As the budget process continues, the passionate advocacy witnessed during these sessions remains a testament to the power of community-driven change.