Budget 2026 (Part 1 of 6): The Big Picture for Scarborough North
Dear friends and neighbours,
Happy New Year! I hope 2026 has started off well for you and your loved ones.
The start of a new year is always a moment to reflect on where we’re headed as a community. I’m looking forward to spending more time in the community in the weeks ahead, with meetings and events planned throughout February and well into the summer, including Black history Month, Lunar New Year Celebrations and Scarborough Iftar.
Meanwhile, the City of Toronto’s 2026 budget is up and running, and the public consultations are underway. These consultations are an important opportunity for you to hear directly from City staff and budget leadership, ask questions, and share feedback on city priorities.
As the newest member of the Budget Committee, I will be attending the upcoming in-person City budget consultations alongside fellow Councillors and the City’s budget team on January 20 at North York Civic Centre and January 21 at Scarborough Civic Centre, and I encourage you to participate if you’re able. Details for the sessions are included below.
I also wanted to share an early look at Budget 2026 and what it means for Scarborough North including the broader direction of the budget and some meaningful local investments.
This update is the first in a minimum six-part Budget 2026 series, providing regular, plain-language updates for Scarborough North as the Mayor’s Budget is released on February 3 and moves through review, debate, and decision-making until mid-February
What Budget 2026 is trying to do
At its core, Budget 2026 is about stability and long-term planning.
It focuses on protecting the everyday services residents rely on, while beginning the necessary work of repairing and upgrading city infrastructure that has been under strain for years. The City is balancing affordability with real pressures like aging infrastructure, population growth, and the growing impacts of climate change.
This budget reflects a shift away from short-term fixes and toward sustaining the systems our city depends on for the long term.
Protecting affordability and essential services
The average residential property tax increase for 2026 is 2.2%. This helps protect essential services and supports long-term investments through the City Building Fund.
Importantly, Budget 2026 protects frontline services used every day in Scarborough North, including:
Public transit
Emergency services such as fire, paramedics, and police
Housing supports
Libraries and community centres
Parks, recreation, and local programs
The emphasis is on maintaining service levels and avoiding cuts, while managing rising costs responsibly.
Fixing the basics
A major focus of Budget 2026 is addressing the city’s state of good repair, including continued investment in:
Roads and bridges
Transit infrastructure
Water systems
Community facilities and parks
These investments help keep services reliable and our neighbourhoods safe and livable. Because Budget 2026 continues investments in emergency preparedness, climate resilience, flood protection and stormwater management.
As extreme weather becomes more frequent and costly, adaptation and resilience must move forward alongside long-term climate goals. For Scarborough North, this means protecting homes, neighbourhoods, and public spaces.
Scarborough North: local investments and wins
Alongside citywide investments, Budget 2026 includes several items that directly benefit Scarborough North. I will be diving into all key developments in the upcoming Emails until the Budget is adopted.
Brookside is moving forward with a Brookside Neighbourhood Streets Plan, similar to the Malvern Streets Plan, to improve safety and livability in the neighbourhood.
Planning new washrooms and enhancements at our parks
Upgrades at Milliken Park
Recreation upgrades across the ward including Pickleball upgrades at Muirlands Park, Sports court and basketball upgrades at Goldhawk Park, Splash pad work starting at Seasons Park
Annual investments in the development of the long-term care home at 4610 Finch Avenue East
Continued progress on the Scarborough Busway , included as a TTC budget priority and set to open in September 2026
Ongoing investment in the Steeles Avenue East Extension, which remains on track for delivery in 2027 and continues to support the Steeles Avenue community
The Woodside Square Library relocation and expansion is moving forward, and the branch is growing into a larger space of 13,500 square feet within the mall.
What to know at this stage
Budget 2026 is not a single announcement. It is a framework that:
Sets funding direction
Advances design and planning for major projects
Phases construction and implementation over multiple years
In the weeks ahead, I’ll be sharing a budget update series to help break down what Budget 2026 means for our community. This will include a six-part series from me, alongside updates as the budget moves through the committee and City Council.
As always, I remain committed to listening to residents and keeping you informed every step of the way. I look forward to continuing these conversations with you at upcoming community events and meetings throughout February and beyond. You may also contact my office with any questions or feedback about the 2026 budget.
Warm regards,
Jamaal Myers