According to a recent survey conducted on behalf of the City of Toronto, residents are feeling more optimistic about the city’s progress, citing improvements in various areas such as park cleanliness and overall quality of life compared to the previous year.
The survey, dubbed Listening to Toronto and carried out by Ipsos from August 1 to 18, involved gathering feedback from over 1,100 residents regarding municipal services and their general quality of life. The results indicate a noteworthy five-point increase in the percentage of Torontonians who now view their quality of life as either “good” or “very good,” standing at 69%, up from 64% in 2024.
Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik expressed satisfaction with the findings, interpreting them as a positive sign that Toronto is making strides in the right direction following the challenges posed by the pandemic and economic uncertainties.
“People in Toronto hold a deep appreciation for our parks and public spaces, as well as the services provided. Their feedback indicates an enhanced experience over the past year,” Malik remarked. “This feedback is a strong indicator that our efforts to revitalize the city after a period of neglect are on the right path.”
Despite the overall positive trend, there are areas identified for improvement. Several key satisfaction metrics, including the overall quality of life, still hover in the mid-to-high 60% range. Critics, including opposition councillors and community advocates, believe that while progress is evident, the city needs to address ongoing issues surrounding housing affordability, transit reliability, and public safety.
Councillor Brad Bradford from Beaches-East York commented, “Although we see some improvements, there are also areas where we’re slipping. If we look at the scores, they are in the 60s. That’s a ‘C’ grade. Not exactly something to celebrate.”
The survey also shed light on disparities between different neighborhoods. Residents in downtown areas tended to rate cleanliness and safety lower than those in suburban regions, with younger individuals expressing particular concerns about housing costs and job opportunities.
City officials emphasized that this survey will inform budget priorities for 2026, focusing on maintaining progress in areas where satisfaction is increasing and addressing divisive issues in public opinion.
“The overall trend is significant. Additionally, it’s essential to recognize that not all services and questions rated in the 60s,” noted City Manager Paul Johnson. “There are areas where the City of Toronto excels.”