Ahead of the Mayor’s Budget release on February 1st, West Neighbourhood House has put together a list of recommendations to help contribute to a more inclusive shared future for our community.
Below are also links to some resources to help Toronto residents stay informed about the 2026 municipal budget.
Resources
- Download A Budget for Our Neighbours Infographic
- Voter Education Flyers (2023 vs 2026 Progress Update)
- 2026 City Budget – Key Resources (City of Toronto)
- Download 2026 City Budget Summary (City of Toronto)
- Get Involved in the Budget (City of Toronto)
- 2026 Budget Notes City Council (City of Toronto)
Toronto City Budget: What Our Neighbourhoods Need
The City of Toronto government is planning its budget for the coming year. The City must balance its budget, which means it cannot spend more money than it has. At the same time, many people in our communities need support from services provided by the City.
Budget decisions affect our lives everyday — housing, safety, transit, and more.
10 priorities that help make Toronto safer, fairer, and more livable for everyone:
- Focus police work on crime
Police are often asked to handle social issues like homelessness. We recommend that the City reduce police being burdened by non-essential work so they can focus on responding to crime.
- Invest in community responses to people in crisis
Community-based organizations can respond better to mental health and social crises. We recommend that the City further expand the Toronto Community Crisis Service which sends trained workers to people in crisis instead of sending police.
- Invest in affordable housing
The City of Toronto has done more to build affordable housing than any other level of government in recent years. We recommend that the City continue to be a leader in getting new affordable housing built.
We also recommend that the City invest in repairs for public housing and protecting existing affordable rental units.
- Strengthen neighbourhood shelters and drop-ins for people experiencing homelessness
While affordable housing is the solution, it takes time to build. Shelters and drop-ins should be safe, supportive places that help people move toward permanent housing. They need enough staff and resources to handle the housing crisis happening now, and to be prepared for emergencies.
- Support local non-profit community organizations
Non-profit community agencies can help people with health and social supports which prevents more expensive institutional costs in hospitals and jails. We recommend that the City increase the investment in these non-profit community services to keep them strong and available to Torontonians.
- Create jobs for young people
Many young people are struggling to find work in Toronto. We recommend that the City create summer jobs to help a goal of 10,000 youth gain employment experience.
- Improve public transit
Affordable and reliable transit helps people get to work and school. We recommend that the City keep fares low and extend subway service later at night until 2:30 am for shift workers.
- Take action on climate change
Extreme heat, pollution, and other effects of climate change affect health. We recommend that the City use more electric TTC vehicles, encourage green buildings, and expand cooling programs during heat waves and warming centres during cold snaps.
- Work with the provincial government to provide funding for Torontonians
The provincial government collects income taxes that were designed to be used for healthcare, social assistance, and education. This public money is also shared with cities to fund police, transit, and social services. Funding for these services has not kept up with the cost of living and needs. We support our City government to work with our provincial government to invest in City and non-profit services appropriately.
- Work with the federal government to provide funding for Torontonians
The federal government collects income taxes that were designed to be used for housing, immigration, Old Age Security, defense, and other national level costs. We recommend that the City work with our federal government to appropriately fund City and non-profit services that keep Toronto as an economic engine for the country, including welcoming refugees and immigrants into our labour market.
A strong City budget means making smart choices without cutting programs that help people. These priorities support people in neighbourhoods across Toronto who call this city home.
Download A Budget for Our Neighbours Infographic
West Neighbourhood House
January 2026
Fund Our City
2026 Toronto budget rally
Tuesday, February 10, 12 – 2 p.m.
Toronto City Hall (100 Queen St. W)
Bring your signs!
- ASL Interpretation provided
- Accessible washrooms and limited seating on site
- Hot chocolate and snacks while supplies last
- Outdoor event; dress appropriately
- Meet in front of City Hall entrance
- Closest TTC: Osgoode subway station (Line 1)
Our partners, Social Planning Toronto is holding a budget rally on February 10 at Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen Street West, from 12-2 p.m.
You are invited to make budget rally signs with other community members next Thursday, February 5, from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. at 2 Carlton Street, Unit 1705. Please drop by at any point in that window if you are interested and available. Refreshments will be provided.