NEW INITIATIVES IN THE CITY OF TORONTO

NEW UPDATES IN METHODS OF PAYING FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

As of March 15th, 2023, the TTC has introduced a new means for users to pay for its services. In addition to the already well-known PRESTO card, fares can now also be paid with credit and debit cards. This new form of payment will be accepted on all buses, trams, Train-Trans vehicles and all subway stations. This new form of payment will function exactly the same as a PRESTO card. The fare for a ticket is $3.30 The ticket must be punched with each transfer within a period of 2 hours, otherwise a new fare will be charged. Proof of payment is also required. During ticket control, the ticket checker needs to be shown the same card (either debit or credit) that paid for the ticket. Public transport users who qualify for special rate tickets should continue to use PRESTO, which is set up to automatically deduct the price of a ticket for students, elderly people or the fair pass discount. As always, the fares will continue to be free for individuals younger than 12.

TORONTO WEB SITE PAGES IN SERBIAN

Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities in the world, with about 200 languages spoken.  The city of Toronto offers access to information on its official website, in 51 different languages. The reason being is to ensure new immigrants, who have not fully mastered English are still able to access this crucial information which the website offers. One of those 51 languages in which the website is also available is in Serbian. The website offers useful information about how the city works, as well as services offered within the city which are essential to everyday life.  However, there are certain areas and features of the website for which there is no automatic translation into our native language (Serbian). To inquire about a service in Serbian, you must call 311. Calling this number offers information in more than 180 languages.

Calling 311 provides residents, visitors and businesses an opportunity to apply and monitor a service request, find information about city services or programs, and request various services in their neighborhood. This number will offer you information about everything from Toronto Public Library hours to checking in a missed garbage can, just to name a few options.

https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/council/my-local-government-its-for-me/english-and-additional-languages/

Toronto City Council Votes for New Ways to Fill Municipal Deficit

Due to the financial challenges facing Toronto, the search has begun for new ways to boost the city's budget. In early September 2023, city councilors voted on two initiatives to generate additional municipal revenues: a gradual increase in the land transfer tax on high value homes; ones worth $3m or more, and the abolition of the $5-an-hour minimum for city parking.

Other options, such as changing the prices of private parking lots and requiring the province to impose a Toronto-specific municipal sales tax, will further be considered by municipal staff before they come before the municipal council. The city is currently asking the Ford government to impose a 1% sales tax on the city or give the province a 1% of the existing sales tax (13% HST), of which about $1 billion a year would trickle into the city budget.

"We need to be brave and say, 'OK, we have to do this. Take a deep breath. We must deal with our deficit in the municipal budget," Toronto mayor Olivia Chow is quoted as saying.

However, the final fate of the proposal to introduce an additional sales tax, which, if voted on, will inevitably affect the rising cost of living for all citizens, most likely more will be known only after the autumn issue is already out.

This article is part of the Local Journalism initiative