Speaking to the media on Monday of this week, Toronto Mayor David Miller vowed there would be no new taxes for Toronto residents before the 2010 municipal elections. He didn’t rule out increases to existing taxes, which comes as a surprise to no one. Toronto’s financial situation is critical and was only made worse by the recent surrender to CUPE organised city labour.
What was extremely interesting was Miller’s claim, twice stated, that Toronto’s property taxes are the most favourable in the region. “Toronto’s residential rax rates are the lowest in the GTA. People don’t always appreciate that”, said Miller. After years of listening to Toronto politicians complain about budget shortfalls and in sufficient provincial and federal subsidies, it’s a surprise to hear the mayor admit the financial crisis is the city’s fault because it doesn’t tax its residents enough! If his statement is truthful. Will Miller still be making this boast when he treks up to Queen’s Park to ask for additional subsidies in 2010?
Time to get out the tax bills and compare mill-rates. Any volunteers to help with the research? I’ll post Markham’s rate soon.
