The Record: three Chow budgets raised property taxes 9.5, 6.9 and 2.2 per cent — the new promise is increases near inflation
Politics · The Canadian Chronicle
Published Tuesday, October 27, 2026
What was said: during the 2026 campaign, Olivia Chow promised that if re-elected she would keep property-tax increases around the rate of inflation.
What the record shows so far: Toronto property taxes rose 9.5 per cent in 2024, 6.9 per cent in 2025, and 2.2 per cent in 2026 — about 20 per cent in total across her first three budgets.
What happens next: Budget 2027 is the first test of the new promise. If the residential increase lands near inflation, the promise holds; if it lands well above it, the record will show that too. Also on the clock in The Record: 10,000 new rental homes pledged in the campaign; the TTC fare cap (free rides after 10 paid trips in a week); the expanded school food program; 65,000 rent-controlled homes; licences issued and enforcement under the renoviction by-law; and the Scarborough East Rapid Transit Line she voted to support. Said vs did, side by side, for the full four-year term to 2030.