Public Consultation Meeting - Stimulating Economic Growth: Toronto's Proposed Tax Increment Equivalent Grant

The City of Toronto’s Economic Development Division
Invites you to attend a

PUBLIC CONSULTATION MEETING IN YOUR AREA

Toronto City Council has endorsed the creation of a financial
incentive program to support the growth and expansion of industrial,
technological, research and creative-oriented businesses.
No consideration is being given to retail operations.

The City of Toronto is looking for input from Toronto’s business
community for this proposed program.

February 5, 2008
6 – 8 p.m.
North York Civic Centre
5100 Yonge Street
Council Chambers
3 blocks n. of Sheppard, west side)

• Learn what is being proposed
• Discuss if and how this may benefit or impact your business
• Review proposed approval conditions
• Suggest additional or alternative elements to the program
• Identify aspects of the program which may be altered/improved

For further information call: 416-392-1003
Reference the November 29, 2007 Economic Development
Committee Decision Document at www.toronto.ca/business.
www.toronto.ca

Current Value Assessment Freeze Over

Questions are coming in about the news that the CVA freeze is over. The freeze is being lifted without any immediate changes proposed to this method of assessment so let's review how it works.

Remember that the system is based on the average increase city-wide. If you are above or below the average increase in value, your tax rate will change. If your home increased in value but only by about the average amount, your tax rate will remain stable. The percentage increase affected by the assessment is calculated according to the difference between the city-wide average increase and your home's percentage increase. that means that people living in hot market areas will see increases but not 30%, as the Toronto Real Estate Board suggested this morning.

New assessments will begin to arrive this fall from the Provincial Agency that completes all property assessments throughout the Province, known as MPAC. This means that it won't be until early 2009 that city budgetary increases are applied against your new tax rate. When the City of Toronto 2008 Budget is introduced on Monday, January 28th, it will be based on the assessment you currently have in hand.

IN COMMENT

By way of comment, I do want to point out that the lifting of this freeze is surprising even if it was originally introduced as a two year freeze. The Province froze the practice of Current Value Assessment across Ontario following the Ombudsperson's report that called the system "secretive, inaccurate and unfair." So one has to wonder if any change will be proposed when the Ontario House of Commons opens its first session in 2008.

Toronto Fire Services Career Information Sessions

Courage Compassion Service

Toronto Fire Services

Don’t miss out – Learn More about Careers with Toronto Fire Services

Are you ready to join our team or do you know someone who is ready for an exciting and rewarding career with Toronto Fire Services?

Come listen and ask questions of the recruiters as they focus on the application process and career preparation for Probationary Firefighter, Call Taker/Dispatcher and Fire Prevention Inspector.

CAREER INFORMATION SESSIONS

Monday January 21, 2008 – 7:00 PM
York Civic Centre, Council Chambers
2700 Eglinton Avenue West

Wednesday January 23, 2008 – 12:00 noon
Toronto City Hall, Council Chambers
100 Queen Street West

Check for updates:
www.toronto.ca/fire/recruitment
Information Hotline 416-392-FIRE (3473)

Families are welcome to attend these free 2 hour information sessions.
Fire Services

Toronto Fire Services is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from
women, people with disabilities, Aboriginal peoples and racial minorities.

Public Meeting to Discuss Holiday Shopping

Media Advisory

January 15, 2008

Public meeting to discuss holiday shopping

The City of Toronto is asking residents and business owners to comment on a recommendation to designate all of Toronto as a tourism area. This designation would allow retail operations inside the city’s geographic boundaries to open on all statutory holidays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., with the exception of Christmas Day.

Date: Thursday, January 17
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen St. W., 2nd Floor, Committee Room 2

Designating the city a tourism area recognizes that Toronto is the most significant tourist destination in Canada. Permitting shopping throughout the city on statutory holidays encourages tourists to fully explore all neighbourhoods to enjoy shopping, dining and attractions.
The recommendation and feedback from the public meeting will go to the City’s Economic Development Committee in February, before going to City Council in March.

Background information and details about the holiday shopping policy’s three proposed options is available on the City’s website at www.toronto.ca/business_resources/holiday_shopping.htm.
Media and members of the public who wish to attend are asked to e-mail jmaxwell@toronto.ca or call 416-338-0029.

Toronto is Canada’s largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.6 million people. It is the economic engine of Canada and one of the greenest and most creative cities in North America. In the past three years, Toronto has won more than 70 awards for quality, innovation and efficiency in delivering public services. Toronto’s government is dedicated to prosperity, opportunity and liveability for all its residents.
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Media contact: Toronto Economic Development, Culture and Tourism Media Hotline, 416-560-8726