Budget 2026 (Part 2 of 6): Protecting Housing Stability in Scarborough North
Dear friends and neighbours,
Last week, we shared the first update in our Budget 2026 series, outlining the big picture and overall direction of the City’s proposed budget. As promised, this is Part 2 of 6, and it focuses on one of the most important issues for Scarborough North: housing stability.
Housing affects daily life in very real ways — from affordability and safety to maintenance, repairs, and tenant protections. Budget 2026 places a strong emphasis on protecting the housing people already live in, while continuing to support new affordable housing and reliable infrastructure across the city.
Supporting New Affordable Housing
Budget 2026 includes $94 million for City-supported rental and homeownership development, including projects led by community housing providers.
These investments support partnerships that deliver below-market and community-based housing, helping expand affordable options across Toronto.
Protecting Existing Housing
Stabilizing existing housing is a key priority in Budget 2026. The budget commits $19 million to protect and preserve affordable housing through:
Repairs and rehabilitation programs
Acquisition of at-risk rental buildings
Support for multi-unit housing programs
This work helps prevent the loss of affordable homes and ensures buildings remain safe, functional, and well maintained.
Stronger Tenant Protections Through RentSafeTO
Budget 2026 strengthens RentSafeTO enforcement to improve housing conditions and accountability, including:
New staffing resources such as district managers, supervisors, municipal standards officers, and support staff
Increased inspections and faster response to tenant complaints
Implementation of coloured audit signs, making building compliance more visible to tenants
These measures are especially relevant in Scarborough neighbourhoods with a high concentration of rental housing.
Water and Infrastructure Reliability
Over the past year, many residents contacted my office about incorrect water bills and meter issues, often having to call 311 just to get accurate readings. That’s not acceptable. Reliable water and building infrastructure are essential to housing stability. Budget 2026 includes $311.018 million for Toronto Water to:
Respond to premature failures in water meter transmission units
Support long-term water meter renewal and sustainment
Implement a new water billing system
More broadly, Toronto Water’s capital investment is ramping up significantly, with spending forecast to grow from $1.121 billion in 2026 to over $2 billion by 2028. Major infrastructure projects are expected to be tendered by the end of 2026.
These investments help reduce service disruptions, improve billing accuracy, and strengthen the reliability of essential water infrastructure across the city — a tangible, everyday service residents rely on.
Why This Matters for Scarborough North
Scarborough North is home to many renters, families, seniors, and newcomers. Budget 2026 recognizes that housing stability depends on:
Safe and well-maintained buildings
Strong tenant protections
Reliable core infrastructure such as water services
A balanced approach that stabilizes existing housing while supporting new development
What’s Next
Housing and infrastructure will remain key focus areas as Budget 2026 continues through committee and Council review. More detail will follow as projects move from planning into delivery.
Next week’s update will focus on parks, play spaces, and community facilities, and what Budget 2026 means for neighbourhood recreation across Scarborough North.
Warm Regards,
Jamaal Myers