Investing in Scarborough-Rouge Park

While we’ve had a warmer winter without much snow, I’m sure many of you are looking forward to the first signs of spring and March Break.

At City Hall, the first few months of the year are very much focused on the budget process. Thank you to those residents who attended our Scarborough-Rouge Park Budget Town Hall, deputed at Scarborough Civic Centre or sent along thoughts and ideas via email.

While the City continues to face significant financial challenges, I believe that it is important to protect services for residents, particularly when faced with a significant property tax increase for homeowners. In Scarborough-Rouge Park, residents were clear that they were not in favour of losing windrow clearing service. Many residents also expressed concerns about safety and wanted the Toronto Police Service to receive their full budget ask.

I’m pleased that my Council colleagues agreed and we were able to pass amendments to the Mayor’s Budget to ensure these two services are fully funded in 2024.

The property tax rate was reduced by 1% from the staff-recommended 10.5%. While 9.5% is still high, the City continues to face unprecedented budget challenges driven mainly by a decrease in TTC ridership and demands on the shelter system. Over the next year, I will continue to advocate for cost containment and efficiencies in order to mitigate significant property tax increases in the future.

The 2024 Budget includes several important investments in community services, transportation and parks that will support Centennial and surrounding neighbourhoods. They include:

Transportation

  • An increase in funding for the Vision Zero Road Safety Plan, representing the largest investment ever made by the City for road safety improvements. This investment includes the installation of two new School Safety Zones in Centennial at Centennial Road Junior Public School and St. Brendan Catholic Elementary School.
  • Port Union Road reconstruction continues.

Recreation and Parks

  • The Heron Park Pool is receiving new outdoor lighting to allow for extended pool hours in the evening.
  • A new dogs’ off-leash area is coming to Bob Hunter Park. Community engagement began last year and the new off-leash area is set to open in the fall of this year.
  • Repairs to the Port Union Waterfront Trail between the F.J. Horgan Water Treatment Plant and Highland Creek will be completed.

The Toronto Zoo

  • The Toronto Zoo is turning 50 this year and the 50-year-old existing entrance area is being replaced with community and event space that will include classrooms, labs, programming space and habitats.

More information on the City’s 2024 Budget is available at toronto.ca/budget.

Stay in Touch

If you’d like to get in touch or sign up for my e-news, please email me at councillor_mckelvie@toronto.ca or call 416-338-3771.

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