Cross-posted from Eye Daily.
November 13 — mark it in your calendars. That’s the day the city has set aside for Torontonians tell the budget committee what they think of the proposed 2008 capital budget and the 2009 to 2012 capital budget plan. The capital budget deals with things such as state of good repair (such as road and bridge improvements) and funding for new streetcars, buses, transit lines and bike lanes. In light of the two new recently approved taxes, I have a hunch many residents will be interested in having their voices heard on where the city spends their money.
If you aren’t able to make it (and I wouldn’t blame you; the meeting starts at 9:30am on a Monday morning), you can also submit your opinion via snail mail or email — visit the city’s website for details. Information on the proposed budget can be found on the city’s website as well. There, you’ll find analyst notes and briefing notes, the schedule for approving the budget and overall highlights (PDF). If you have any questions, I suggest calling your local councillor or Access Toronto.
Below is a list of articles from the media that have been written on the 2008 capital budget so far. Most of them focus on the big-ticket items, such as the TTC, road repair and the growing debt. All of these things are extremely important, of course, but don’t forget that this budget also affects other important projects, such as the Sustainable Energy Action Plan, a tree canopy study, homes for the aged and the construction of new libraries and community centres in priority communities. City Council will vote on the final 2008 capital budget at their meeting December 11-13.
City Unveils ambitious works agenda [The Toronto Star]
Toronto’s 2008 capital budget and the TTC [Steve Munro’s Blog]
City to spend more on repairing roads in 2008 [Inside Toronto]
T.O. projected to se $1.2B in new debt by 2012 [CTV]
Bike budget in 2008 will need new funding and new revenues [Bike Toronto]
2008 Capital Budget [Urban Toronto Forum]
