Miller Reverses Decision To Close Community Centres

It’s been one of the most unpopular decisions since David Miller was elected mayor, and so it’s likely no surprise he reversed it.

Miller flip-flopped on an earlier call to close more than 100 of Toronto’s community and recreation centres on Mondays, now opting to restore full service. Taxpayers balked at the once-a-week cut to services, which the cash-strapped city estimated would save $700,000. The Mayor has since promised to forward a motion to council next week that’d fully reopen the centres.

Now, he’s toying with the possibility of another cost-cutting measure: raising property taxes by 20 per cent.

“Everywhere I go somebody grabs me and says please raise my taxes,” said Miller.

But some Torontonians like Nadia Knircha find that really hard to believe. “I don’t know who he’s speaking to then because 20-percent is awful high,” she said. 

“It sounds like city government is floundering. Grasping at straws and trying to find any answer at this point,” said Lynn, a freelance writer.

People living in the Sherbourne and Wellesley area, many of whom rely on the Wellesley Community Centre, were relieved to hear about the turnaround.

“They should be open. It gives the kids something to do,” said one area resident. “You know, helps keep them out of trouble.”

One woman suggested, “It’s good for us. It’s help and there’s so much staff in there.”

Another resident noted, “I think the public made a decision that the mayor is listening to, so it’s a good thing.”

The motion won’t affect other recently proposed cuts, including reduced snow clearing and a delay in opening artificial ice rinks. But Miller suggests those and more serious budget cuts, possibly to policing and transit, could be shelved if council opts to impose new taxes. Without them Toronto faces a shortfall of $575 million in next year’s budget.

Despite new taxing powers under the City of Toronto Act, Miller failed to get the support of council in July to impose a land transfer tax and vehicle registry tax. Those levies would have raised about $356 million.

However red tape, as well as the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, means the centres likely won’t be running as normal until mid-October.