Budget 2026: What’s In It and How You Can Get Involved
Dear friends and neighbours,
The City of Toronto has officially launched the 2026 City Budget. I want to share a brief overview of what’s included — and how you can take part as the budget process moves forward.
Toronto is a large and diverse city, and Budget 2026 is designed to support people at every stage of life, while keeping affordability front and centre.
A Citywide Snapshot: What’s in Budget 2026
A balanced operating budget that protects essential day-to-day services like transit, emergency response, housing supports, libraries, and community programs.
A long-term capital plan to repair and rebuild critical infrastructure — including transit, roads, housing, water systems, and community facilities.
An average residential property tax increase of 2.2%, which works out to about $7.60 per month for the average household. 0.5% supports daily services, and 1.5% goes into the City Building Fund, dedicated to transit and housing investments.
This approach helps the City meet growing needs while keeping tax increases as modest as possible.
How Budget 2026 Supports People Across Scarborough North
While ward-specific details will be shared as they are finalized, Budget 2026 invests in the everyday services and supports that matter most to residents of Scarborough North, including:
Reliable transit and safer streets, with improvements to transit service, road safety, sidewalks, and emergency response
Stronger community infrastructure, including community centres, libraries, parks, and local recreation spaces
Support for seniors, through continued investment in long-term care homes, seniors’ services, and community supports
Support for children, youth, and families, including funding for childcare, early learning, youth programs, and recreation services
Housing stability and homelessness supports, alongside long-term housing development and critical infrastructure
Climate resilience and flood protection to better protect neighbourhoods and homes
Essential city services that keep Scarborough North safe, connected, and functioning today and into the future
I will continue advocating for Scarborough North to ensure our community’s priorities are reflected as Budget 2026 details are finalized.
What Happens Next and How You Can Participate
This launch is just the beginning of the budget process. Residents are encouraged to share feedback and speak directly to the Budget Committee.
As Scarborough North’s City Councillor, Chair of the TTC, and a member of the City’s Budget Committee, I’ll be part of these discussions, and I welcome your questions and input.
Speak to the Budget Committee:
Residents can speak in person or by video conference at the following meetings:
City Hall – Committee Room 1
100 Queen St. W. (2nd Floor)
January 20
9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
1:30 – 4:30 p.m.
6:00 p.m. onwards virtual
North York Civic Centre – Council Chamber
5100 Yonge St.
January 20
9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
1:30 – 4:30 p.m.
6:00 p.m. onwards virtual
Scarborough Civic Centre – Council Chamber
150 Borough Dr.
January 21
9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
1:30 – 4:30 p.m.
6:00 p.m. onwards virtual
To register as a public speaker:
Phone Number: 416-392-4666
Email: buc@toronto.ca
You can also send written submissions and learn more about participating in Budget Committee meetings.
Looking Ahead:
In the weeks ahead, I will share:
Clear explanations of different parts of the budget
Updates as Budget Committee discussions continue
Information on how decisions may affect residents
My goal is to make this process clear, accessible, and inclusive — because the City budget shapes our everyday lives.
As your City Councillor, I invite you to contact me by email or phone to share your questions and feedback with me and join me at a public budget consultation.
Thank you for staying engaged. More updates will be coming your way.
Warm regards,
Jamaal Myers