Toronto, December 6, 2011

The poll was conducted by Ipsos Reid for the Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) between November 17 and November 22, 2011.

“TREB supports the recommended 2012 Budget because it continues the process of bringing fiscal sustainability back to City Hall; however, while we support the direction of this Budget, we are pointing out that it does not begin the process of fulfilling Mayor Ford’s commitment to repeal the Toronto Land Transfer Tax in 2012. This is a commitment that is strongly supported by Torontonians,” said Richard Silver, TREB President.

The poll found that,

• 65 per cent of Torontonians continue to support Mayor Ford’s commitment to repeal the Toronto Land Transfer Tax. Even when asked to consider the City’s deficit and recent efforts to address it, public support for the repeal of this tax is at 57 per cent;
• Torontonians want to see respect for taxpayers during negotiations with City Unions: 67 per cent believe that City negotiators should seek concessions from the unions; 57 per cent would like to see an end to current job security provisions; and 54 per cent would support a lock-out if union representatives do not agree to concessions;
• in contrast to the public’s strong opposition to the Land Transfer Tax, 52% of Torontonians support increasing residential property taxes as part of the solution to addressing the City’s deficit and paying for services; and,
• 54%, a majority, believe that City spending on programs and services is cost-effective and efficient. This is an increase of 9 per cent , from 45 per cent to 54 per cent, since April, 2011 when Ipsos Reid last measured this sentiment for TREB, indicating an apparent shift in attitude.

“Notwithstanding the difficult decisions that City Council has faced with regard to the budget, Torontonians understand that the Land Transfer Tax is part of the problem because it unfairly forces home buyers and business owners to pay more than their fair share, costing the average Toronto home buyer more than $6,000 every time they move; it is an unpredictable revenue stream that goes up and down with the real estate market; and it makes the City less competitive than other GTA municipalities,” said Silver. “The Land Transfer Tax is simply a band aid that has delayed the true solutions to the City’s financial challenges.”

REALTORS® believe that sustainable solutions to the City’s financial challenges are a combination of cost reductions and fair revenue sources, like property taxes and user fees.

“TREB Members work with the public across the GTA, so they understand that the City’s Budget affects not only Torontonians but the entire region. Simply put, the City’s budget decisions affect where people live and work. You only need to travel along the DVP during morning rush hour to see the proof: as many people are leaving the City to get to their jobs as there are coming in,” said Richard Silver, TREB President.

“Toronto businesses face the highest commercial and industrial property tax rates. Making business property taxes more competitive will allow the property tax base to grow, providing long-term, reliable, revenue, which, ultimately, will benefit residents by relieving pressure on existing taxpayers and improving quality-of-life in Toronto and the entire GTA by keeping people and jobs close together, thereby reducing traffic congestion,” said Silver.

REALTORS® are encouraged with the direction of the 2012 Budget and, along with the public, are calling for fiscal reform to continue at City Hall.

“REALTORS®, and the public, believe that City Council has made progress in bringing respect for taxpayers back to City Hall. We strongly believe that moving ahead with repealing the Land Transfer Tax, continuing to reduce costs, and using fair revenue sources is the right way to continue to move forward,” said Silver.

These poll results were gathered from 401 residents of the City of Toronto, yielding a margin of error of +/- 4.9 percentage points 19 times out of 20.

Greater Toronto REALTORS® are passionate about their work. They are governed by a strict Code of Ethics and share a state-of-the-art Multiple Listing Service. Over 32,000 TREB Members serve consumers in the Greater Toronto Area. The Toronto Real Estate Board is Canada’s largest real estate board.

Toronto, September 21, 2011

“We are proud that the Toronto Real Estate Board was the only business organization that had the courage to go to City Hall and call for the fiscal restraint that so many Torontonians want and demand from City Council. We are proud to be a loud and strong voice in favour of sound and fair financial management from City Hall,” said Richard Silver, President of the Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB).

TREB presented its views to the City of Toronto’s Executive Committee on September 19, 2011. In its presentation, TREB told the Committee that City Hall must live within its means and that the Toronto Land Transfer Tax is not part of the solution to the City’s financial challenges.

“Questions from some City Councillors, after TREB’s presentation, made it evident that some Councillors who are not members of the Executive Committee would prefer to continue to use the Toronto Land Transfer Tax as a band-aid solution to the City’s financial challenges. Torontonians don’t want band-aids to the City’s financial challenges; they want long-term solutions,” said Silver.

After TREB’s presentation, some Councillors implied that the Toronto Land Transfer Tax has improved the City’s budget situation. TREB disagrees.

“Four years ago, many of the same City Councillors that are currently opposing changes at City Hall claimed that the Toronto Land Transfer Tax would solve the City’s financial challenges. Yet, here we are, four years after the City began collecting the Land Transfer Tax, and the City’s financial situation is the same, if not worse. Why? The answer is simple: the Land Transfer Tax was a band-aid, not a real solution. Like all band-aids, it needs to be removed,” said Silver.

Some Councillors,pointed to the current health of the real estate market as justification for keeping the Toronto Land Transfer Tax. TREB is pointing out that the real estate market can experience ups and downs.

“It is important to remember that the Land Transfer Tax is not a predictable revenue stream. The amount of revenue it generates is based totally on the activity of the real estate market. What will the City do if there is a downturn in the real estate market? Create yet another tax to balance the budget?” said Silver.

Some Councillors, questioned the relative influence of the Land Transfer Tax and municipal services on property transactions and values.

“Make no mistake: REALTORS® understand that municipal services play a critical role in our City’s quality-of-life. These services are important to our clients. That is precisely why we want the City to get its finances in order. Without long-term solutions to the City’s finances, the quality of the municipal services that matter to our clients will deteriorate,” said Silver. “While municipal services are important to property transactions and values, for the vast majority of people, price is still the first and, most important, consideration”.

The City of Toronto is the only municipality in the Greater Toronto Area that imposes a second Land Transfer Tax, in addition to the provincial Land Transfer Tax. TREB feels that a budget shortfall supported by a tax collected from a small group to provide services for all citizens is not sustainable in the long run. It is time to axe the tax and find a long term solution.

We look forward to the results of the Core Services Review by Toronto City Council.

Disclosure: Let me begin by saying that I have known 

Also, these are my own personal thoughts and are not connected at all with any volunteer group that I am associated with…

That being said, I know George to be a hardworking and demanding manager: however, his expectations of staff are no less than he expects of himself.  He is committed to whatever project he takes on and is tireless once decisions to move ahead are made. He gets the job done…like him or not, he will keep this City and Council on it’s toes.

Sadly, he is tarred by the E-Health program when he was Minister of Health, however as I understand it, the program was begun and in trouble long before George came on the scene and was not in his purview. What he did do as Minister of Health was to reduce waiting times and lead a huge consolidation of Ontario Hospitals and Drug Programs.

Here are some other thoughts on why:

1. Unlike some other candidates, George, realized that as Deputy Premier, it would be a conflict of interest to run for Mayor of Toronto and would hamper his Provincial work. He resigned the huge and prestigious job of Deputy Premier. That says a lot to me…Joe Pantalone seems too dense to realize that as Deputy Mayor and Councilman, he might not be serving the City or his constituents with a 100% job. Adam Giambrone was the same, Councilman, Chair of the TTC, candidate for Mayor and no recognition that there might be a conflict of interest?
2. George has roots and communication lines with the Provincial Governement that none of the other candidates have. Toronto depends greatly on its relationship with the Province and the past 8 years of David Miller’s reign are a great example of that. George has the connections that this City needs when we depend on the Province for so much.
3. George knows City Hall and how it works. He worked for Barbara Hall when she was Mayor of Toronto and has been an MPP from Central Toronto and a strong advocate for the City.
4. He is younger, energetic and reflects a strong and confident voice as major salesperson for the City. He is not known for the gaffs that would come from a Rob Ford.
5. In this riding he is known to be very inclusionary and though he does not suffer fools gladly he is not likely to make opponents, enemies.
6. He celebrates the diversity that is Toronto and would be a great proponent of our City and immigration, exemplifying what makes Toronto great and runs its’ economic engine.

Personally, I think he would be great to head up City Council…not an easy job with so many conflicting agendas.  You need vision to lead this City and I think George Smitherman has that vision. As always your thoughts are welcome… Check out his web site at www.George Smitherman.ca .

First….most of the great large cities in the world have excellent Subways and rail lines. Toronto slowed and almost stopped building Subways and rapid transit years ago and we became more and more dependent on highways for transportation.

Second…Toronto is surrounded by bedroom communities filled with people who use the major thoroughfares to come to the City to make their incomes and head back to their suburban properties where they pay the most of their taxes. Some major cities like New York make suburbanites who get paid in the City, pay a special tax to the City of New York.

Third…and most important…even though it is difficult, cars have made it easier to live in one part of the City, work in another part of the City or Province and recreate in yet another part of the City or Province. We think nothing of doing so because the cost  is relatively cheap.

Maybe a toll on the major City owned highways during peak hours will make us think more about living closer to work, telecommuting or travelling the highways at non-peak times:

• The 407 Highway sits at the top of the City and if you’re in a rush and choose to use it, it is a great option.
• Houston, Texas has a circle of freeways surrounding the City that has one lane that is a “Pay-Express” lane.
• It’s cheaper to fly on Porter Airlines on off peak hours…

With all, the consumer can make a decision. If you have to travel the major arteries at peak hours, you pay. I will happily do so if I know that we will start building major Subways again.

I salute Sarah Thompson, candidate for Mayor of  Toronto City Council, for bringing the subject to the political table. Chances are it will never happen because it is a “hot potato” but it is something that we should be thinking about.

Your thoughts?

That a member of  Toronto City Council  and Chair of a very important City Service would think that running for Mayor would not compromise his decisions, shows that Adam Giambrone views himself as other than human and fallible. His recent apology of having a number of sex partners while being in a “supposedly” committed relationship is the next key. Do we need a “supposedly” committed Mayor?

The fact that the Deputy Premier of the Proviince  would step down to run for Mayor, yet the Chair of the TTC  does not think there is an issue of running for Mayor and being Chair of the TTC at the same time, leaves me in total doubt of his abilities and those of the group of back room boys  that would float his name in the first place.

Torontonians are not that stupid!

If you, like me, are wondering why it took a 5 week summer Strike to end up with a City Workers contract that could have probably been negotiated without a Strike, I would tell you that it is symptomatic of what is wrong with Mayor Miller’s management. He cannot seem to get consensus on City Council or in the City. He has taken very strong stands on losing causes such as his fight with the Island Airport and the popular Porter Airways and lost a lot of support by implementing two added taxes on Torontonians who drive or buy homes. These taxes will never be great generators of income as they focus on groups rather than the whole who benefit. He has increased City taxes and all you have to do is look around to see a lack of value in those increases…but I digress…

We need a Mayor who will ensure the residents of Toronto are getting value for their taxes…We need a Mayor who realizes that strong Social Programs are important when the infrastucture of the City is not collpasing…We need a Mayor who knows that the daytime population of the City has to bear some of the costs that the Toronto Taxpayers are forced to pay for…We need a Mayor who is more inclusive of the members of City Council and not only those beholding to him…We need a Mayor who is not afraid to look for savings in City Services…We need a Mayor who is not afraid of cutting staff and holding the line on salaries and expenses…and most of all ,we need a Toronto cheerleader…

Any suggestions???

It has been a while since I drove the length of St. Clair Avenue West from Yonge Street to Christie Avenue without construction…and now we could truly experience the finished product of the past three years, including special lanes for the TTC Trolleys….

Sadly, on a Saturday night at 6:30 PM (early eaters are we)…the street was vacant of any life. The St. Clair Avenue West BIA or Toronto City Council that proposed the rebuild of this vibrant area have really blown it. There used to be life on the Street, people sitting in sidewalk Cafes, shopping, strolling, etc.

I really hope that life will come back to the St. Clair Avenue West shopping area and it is just a timing issue for the neighborhood, especially since it seems that Eglinton Avenue West is next on the political  agenda…

Your thoughts on this are appreciated. Check out the changes on the street and at the same time…check out Acquolina Ristorante…

It is hard to forget the personalities involved, who they were, what they did and what would have lead to this horrible result. Yes, this City was built mostly for cars and we now have a strong movement to make the streets more bicycle friendly.

I don’t cycle anymore because it is dangerous out there on the City streets. I have had too many friends who have been hurt riding bikes when there were no cars around. The roads are in worse shape then they have ever been and the Trolley tracks make cycling in Toronto an event more like the “Tour de France”.

That being said, I have watched the “Bicycle Courier” community and know that they are important part of the business transacted in Downtown Toronto. Their job is to get those documents to their destinations as quickly as possible. They even have races within the community, usually ride Racing Bikes and not the more suitable, Mountain Bikes. Couriers look at the streets of the City as a race track. They have a different agenda than most cyclists and I think we need to look at them apart from more traditional cyclists. We must be aware of the different goals of Bicyclists and Bicycle Couriers but we must also be aware of the similarities:

There are no licensing rules for bicycles. They seldom are held to the same rules of the road that car drivers are: driving on the wrong side of the road, on walk ways, the wrong way in bicycle lanes, through stoplights, through pedestrian walkways, not wearing helmets etc. When was the last time you saw a bicyclist signalling a turn or a lane change?

The bottom line is this: Bikes are vehicles that are on the street in vehicular lanes. Licensing should be universal. Car Drivers have to attach seat belts but only children have to wear head gear on bikes. Everyone must abide by all the rules of the road. Both are responsible but the playing field is not equal and sadly the outcome benefits the car driver because of the size of the car and the protection it provides.

Recently on visits to Vancouver and Quebec City, I noticed that they have put up 2 foot curbs between the car space and the bicycle lanes. They are truly separate spaces not one space with a painted line on it. If we’re really serious about bike lanes, let’s move them away from vehicle lanes, license bicyclists and enforce rules of the road.

Everyone must bear the responsibility of what transpired Monday night but let’s see some leadership on both sides.

Developers are often short sighted. They know that they have a finite time to build and sell the property, making their profit as quickly as possible. Some are often known to take shortcuts and seldom see themselves involved in the property twenty years from completion. Most intend to be completely finished with the property within five years. (I often have to console Buyers who are looking for attention from their Builders and tell them that when buying new, “ By the time you get to closing, you have to realize that most Builders are working on the third or forth project down the line”).

That being the case, what happens when those GREEN Oasis’ have to be attended to 20 years from now?  Roofs are exposed to the elements and need constant maintenance at the best of times; add in to the mix that there will be roots and added weight of growing materials.

GREEN Roofs are a great dream but I pity the Condominium Corporation and their Board of Directors 20 years from now when they have to re-roof and replace what was originally built. Are GREEN Roofs a short term dream(20 years) or a nightmare?

Bob Aaron wrote an article on the same topic. Check it out!

Related Articles:

Common Sense is missed at City Council

City of Toronto on Canada Day Weekend

Sustainable Urban Design on Toronto’s Waterfront

Voting in Municipal Elections…

Last night the City voted to close one lane of Jarvis Street to Cars and make Jarvis Street more Bike friendly. How about spending that money fixing some of the existing roadways that are potholed? It is all gamesmen-ship at City Hall and the homeowner and car owner are losing…with David Miller as Mayor, get used to more of it! Maybe if we created a Homeowner and Car owner Union we would have more say at City Hall.

When are we going to get angry enough?? Note the photo Mayor Miller and Mr. Rae? It is called WINTER.