Toronto Mayor Chow's tax hike will 'hurt the middle class,' critics say

Article content

Olivia Chow’s planned tax hike has some social media users proposing she take a hike – straight out of the mayor’s office.  

Toronto’s mayor is calling for a property tax increase of 6.9% this year to offset its $18.8-billion operating budget for 2025. The proposal includes a tax increase of 5.4% on residential properties, as well as an additional 1.5% increase in building levy fees. 

Last year, the city increased residential property taxes by 9.5% — the largest hike since Toronto amalgamation in 1998. If this year’s budget is approved as is, the city’s tax hikes will add up to 24% since 2023. 

The latest proposed hike isn’t sitting well with some at a time when regular folks are struggling to pay rent and put food on the table. 

“A 7% property tax hike will create chaos and will hurt the middle class,” one commentor said on social-media site X. “Chow should consider stepping down.” 

Recommended video

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

Try refreshing your browser, or
tap here to see other videos from our team.

Play Video

“Toronto imposes a staggering 6.9% property tax hike – yet another example of government incompetence and reckless densification policies,” another commentor said on X. “This relentless drive for more people, more tax revenue, and inevitable tax increases shows how out of touch these elected officials are. Such a significant tax increase should go to a legally binding referendum. It’s time for mass protests to hold these political cowards accountable.” 

“City Hall has been (mismanaging) taxpayers’ money for so many years,” another X user said. “#Toronto is becoming a dump — @oliviachow must go! Time to move out of the city!” 

Said one other X user: “Toronto residents are getting what they deserve for electing an incompetent NDP mayor that like all NDP types knows only one thing, spend and tax.” 

Chow said on Monday the budget aims to feed thousands more students through school programs, while improving transit services and boosting emergency services.  

Additionally, she said, the budget would aim to extend library and outdoor pool hours across the city. 

 Chow must formally table her budget by Feb. 1 and then it goes to council on Feb. 11.