Toronto’s new budget seems to hit the ones that can least afford the additional burden - families. Although the residential property taxes are going up by 4%, well known critics of Mayor Miller like Councillor Denzil Minnan-Wong say that the tax increase is actually 10% because of the hidden taxes.  In addition, the new budget does not mention that water bills will be going up by 9% this year, and that the new vehicle registration and garbage collection fees will also be in force.

Here is a list of new fees in the budget:

-    Residential property tax - increased by 4%
-    On-street parking permit with no access to driveway - increased from $127 to 132 for your first car (12.5%) and for each additional car the fees will increase from $318 to $330 (12.5%)
-    Adult one-year pool pass - increased from $161 to $167 (3.7%)
-    Children’s Learn-to-Swim program - increased from $143 to $148 (3.7%)
-    Seniors’ Aquafit classes - increased from $94 to $98 (3.7%)
-    Adult arts-and-craft classes - increased from $61 to $64 (3.7%)
-    Youth tap-dance lessons - increased from $168 to $175 (3.7%)
-    Children’s Learn-to-Skate lessons - increased from $50 to $52 (3.7%)
-    Adult full-season ski membership - increased from $303 to $314 (3.7%)
-    Children’s house league hockey ice rentals in nicer arenas - increased from $104 to $108 (3.7%)
-    More competitive junior leagues’ ice rentals in city’s nicer arenas - increased from $187 to $193 (3.7%)

It seems like Mayor Miller is bound and determined to shift the tax burden from business to residential. While residents will have their property tax hiked by 4%, businesses will only pay one-third of that. The budget is currently under consideration with a final vote by city council to take place on March 31 and April 1. Contact your local councillors and let them know how you feel.