Mayor Olivia Chow has outlined her commitment to maintaining property taxes in alignment with the rate of inflation if she secures re-election in the upcoming municipal election. Her goal is to ensure that future tax increases remain modest, unlike the significant 9.5 per cent spike observed during her first term in 2024.
Chow’s campaign, in a statement to CityNews, emphasized her intention to mirror this year’s modest 2.2 per cent tax increase with future adjustments. However, her rivals, Chris Alexander and Brad Bradford, have been vocal in critiquing the series of tax hikes exceeding 18 per cent over the past three years.
Both Alexander and Bradford have raised concerns about Chow’s ability to uphold her pledge to limit tax hikes to inflation rates. Alexander expressed skepticism, stating, “Will she actually be able to show restraint and fix the broken budgetary framework that Toronto now operates in? The answer for most Torontonians, I think, is no.”
In contrast, Alexander has proposed a property tax freeze in his inaugural year as mayor, followed by subsequent increases below the inflation rate. Similarly, Bradford’s campaign highlighted Chow’s past commitments to modest tax increases, juxtaposed with the nearly 20 per cent hike over three years, cautioning voters to be wary of similar promises.
Bradford assured voters of presenting a comprehensive affordability plan for Toronto residents in due course, emphasizing the need for a thorough discussion rather than reactive statements. He vowed transparency and strategic planning in addressing the city’s financial challenges.
