TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA NEWS RELEASE
January 10, 2011
Mayor Rob Ford launches Budget 2011
Mayor Rob Ford officially launched the 2011 City budget today, with comments to the media and the Budget Committee.
“I’m here today to tell the Budget Committee and the people of Toronto that your City government can cut its costs and still deliver excellent service,” said Mayor Ford. “It’s time to listen to the taxpayers of Toronto and do what’s right with their hard-earned money.”
At the Budget Committee meeting this morning, City Manager Joe Pennachetti and Chief Financial Officer Cam Weldon will present the staff-proposed 2011 city budget to Budget Committee, led by Budget Chair Mike Del Grande, to begin the official Council review process.
Over the next few days, each City division will present its proposed budget to the Budget Committee. Council will review and approve the budget on February 23.
Budget 2011 is balanced, includes a zero property tax increase and has no major service cuts.
“This is the beginning of a new era,” the Mayor said. “I am committed to putting the hard working taxpayers of Toronto back at the centre of everything that we do. We’re all in this together and, together, we will succeed.”
On January 19 and 20, the City will host four public consultations – double the number held last year – to receive public feedback on the budget. The consultations will be held in the community to give residents the opportunity to participate. Following are the dates, times and locations for the four public consultations:
North York:
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
6 p.m.
Council Chamber
North York Civic Centre
5100 Yonge Street
Toronto and East York:
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
6 p.m.
Council Chamber
East York Civic Centre
850 Coxwell Avenue
Scarborough:
Thursday, January 20, 2011
6 p.m.
Council Chamber
Scarborough Civic Centre
150 Borough Drive
Etobicoke:
Thursday, January 20, 2011
6 p.m.
Council Chamber
York Civic Centre
2700 Eglinton Avenue West
Complete information about the City’s 2011 recommended budgets is available on the City’s website at toronto.ca/budget2011.
Toronto is Canada’s largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.6 million people. Toronto’s government is dedicated to delivering customer service excellence, creating a transparent and accountable government, reducing the size and cost of government and building a transportation city. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.