February 2, 2026
RED FM News Desk
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow’s proposed 2026 budget maintains a 2.2 per cent property tax increase, the lowest of her term, while committing nearly $1.5 billion to public transit and policing.
The budget was posted online Sunday evening following weeks of public consultations. City council is set to debate the plan on Feb. 10.
If approved, the increase would follow significantly larger hikes earlier in Chow’s tenure — 9.5 per cent in 2024 and 6.9 per cent in 2025 — both tied to major fiscal pressures at city hall. Chow has not said whether she will seek re-election in 2026.
The mayor has pitched the budget as affordability-focused, highlighting a continued TTC fare freeze and the introduction of fare capping. Backed by a $1.48-billion subsidy, the program would allow riders to travel free for the rest of the month after 47 trips, starting in September.
Toronto police would also receive a $93-million funding increase to support officer hiring and wage increases under a new collective agreement.
Loading ...
