Share this Story : Financial Post Copy Link Email X Reddit Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr

Matthew Lau: Toronto's spiralling costs land on taxpayers

Municipal staff costs were up by double-digit percentages in 2025. No wonder Mayor Olivia Chow has been hiking property and other taxes

In the election campaign ahead of Toronto’s municipal vote in October, the high and increasing cost of city hall should be a major issue. Since becoming mayor in 2023, Olivia Chow has raised property taxes by 19.6 per cent and made both the vacancy tax and municipal land transfer tax more punitive. And while Torontonians were being hit with higher taxes, spending has spiked.

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman, and others.

Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.

Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.

National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.

Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman and others.

Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.

Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.

National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.

Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Access articles from across Canada with one account.

Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.

Enjoy additional articles per month.

Get email updates from your favourite authors.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Access articles from........

© Financial Post