February 18, 2026
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These are hard times for many people across Toronto. Every day, I hear from residents who are working hard, juggling rising costs, and doing their best just to make ends meet. That reality is always top of mind for me, and it’s the message I take with me to City Hall every single day.
As a result of our steady efforts to ensure the Mayor and Council hear our concerns, the city budget now carries a much lower tax increase than was anticipated.
The budget that was before City Council on February 10th includes a 2.2% property tax increase.
I want to be clear: I do not support property tax hikes. Property taxes make life harder for residents, especially at a time when affordability is already a serious challenge. I believe that property taxes are an unsustainable way to fund city services. Toronto sends roughly $2.2 billion in property taxes to the Ontario provincial government each year, and I believe that money should stay in our city to support the services residents rely on. Toronto needs a fair deal that reflects the realities of a major city.
At the same time, I am proud to champion initiatives that provide real, tangible relief for people in our community and these priorities are reflected in the budget.
For seniors and people with disabilities, keeping up with rising costs can be incredibly difficult. This budget delivers meaningful property tax relief. We are expanding access to the City’s Property Tax Deferral and Cancellation Program by raising the income threshold to $62,000. Seniors with an average-priced home will save $818 this year on their combined property taxes, garbage collection, and water bills.
Yours Truly,
City Councillor
Anthony Perruzza
Ward 7 – Humber River-Black Creek
