CRISANTI: Another day, another tax in Toronto

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I’ve heard from many residents in Etobicoke North and across the city, and they made it clear to me that they are opposed to any new taxes, particularly the ones that interfere in their personal affairs. Residents are asking what the future tax season looks like. On the horizon, another 9.5% tax hike, rain tax, air tax, tax, tax, tax.

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At a recent council meeting, I stood firm in advocating for taxpayers. Unfortunately, my motion that called for the immediate cancellation of the Vacant Home Tax was not approved. While I had the support from several of my colleagues, it is disappointing we could not make the change that many people were counting on.

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The consequences are stark: Thousands of property owners received a tax penalty bill this year, upwards of $5,000. Council voted to increase this penalty from 1% to 3% last summer and I opposed this increase. Looking ahead to next year, this burden will now triple to a staggering $15,000. The shock and distress, especially among seniors was intense; the potential impact next year will be more than alarming, leaving taxpayers in disbelief.

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Taxpayers have sent a clear message that they want the city government to stop meddling in their personal affairs. It is clear that the Vacant Home Tax rollout has touched property owners in a very emotional way and stirred up deep-rooted anger.

I stay firmly committed to residents of Etobicoke North and taxpayers at large. The Vacant Home Tax is not a housing solution policy; it is an unfair and unnecessary burden to taxpayers.

Instead of focusing our time and energy on the delivery of vital core services, this council has chosen to take a direction that is not productive and not for the greater good of Torontonians. This administration has decided to push forward an alcohol in parks policy across the city, an initiative like the Vacant Home Tax, that has not been critically thought out. The alcohol in parks policy will encourage bad behaviour and add pressure to our parks by-law staff and Toronto Police, which remains underfunded.

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The purpose of my motion was for the immediate cancellation of the Vacant Home Tax program. It is broken beyond repair. Unfortunately, we have some council members thinking of ways to place further financial burden on our taxpayers. We must focus on the efficient delivery of core everyday services that people have come to expect and deserve.

— Toronto City Councillor Vincent Crisanti represents Ward 1 Etobicoke North.

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