This message is being sent to all staff on behalf of City Manager Paul Johnson. Managers and Supervisors: Please share this message with staff who do not have access to a computer at work.

Yesterday, after ten weeks of productive working group discussions, the City and Government of Ontario announced a new deal that will help support the future growth of this great city.

This historic deal provides generational change that will greatly improve the long-term stability and sustainability of Toronto’s finances. The funding will go towards some of our city’s most pressing needs including affordable housing, public transit and building communities.

As part of this new deal, Ontario has agreed to provide the City with up to $1.2 billion in provincial operating supports over three years and significant capital relief. Staff are now assessing the positive implications of yesterday’s announcement for the City’s 2024 operating budget and 10-year capital plan, looking specifically at how the new deal will support the City’s budget pressures in 2024 and beyond.

We look forward to our ongoing work with the Province of Ontario to move the new deal forward, and we will  continue to encourage the Government of Canada to join us to advance our shared priorities. An economically strong Toronto directly supports an economically strong Ontario and Canada.

I would like to thank City staff and leaders who worked quickly and diligently to make this new deal a reality. I know the days leading up to yesterday’s announcement were long, so I greatly appreciate your contributions and commitment to advance this important priority.

If you haven’t heard, on December 11 I’m hosting the year-end town hall where I’ll spend a bit of time talking more about the new deal.  I hope to see you there.

Paul Johnson