Some officials at City Hall say Torontonians can expect to see significant tax hikes starting in 2017.
During his election campaign, Mayor John Tory promised to keep tax hikes at or below the rate of inflation.
As a result, the 2016 property tax increase will be limited to 1.3 per cent or about $35 per household.
But even some of Tory’s allies say the model isn’t sustainable past 2016.
“I don’t believe that the current budget, as it is, is sustainable,” said Coun. Denzil Minnan-Wong.
Come 2017, they say Torontonians should be prepared to pay more.
“We have to have a bigger discussion in 2017,” said Budget Chief Gary Crawford, adding that the 2016 budget is a “transitional” one.
On Tuesday, the mayor’s executive passed a 2016 budget on to council that limits the residential take hike to the rate of inflation, but relies on $50-million non-renewable reserve -- a move some of the mayor’s critics condemned.
“What we’re being given is something that relies on too much on one-time revenue,” said Coun. Mike Layton.
This year’s budget goes to council for final approval next week.
With a report from CTV Toronto’s Natalie Johnson
