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Social Planning Toronto

@planningtoronto.bsky.social
214 followers 53 following 135 posts

For 65 years, we’ve been a vital part of making Toronto better for all by linking research with community action.

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Social Planning Toronto @planningtoronto.bsky.social · 4h
How can Toronto's next City Council uphold the right to housing and reduce the housing wait list? We have some ideas. Check out Housing for All, one of six pillars of our 2026 municipal platform, A CITY FOR ALL. www.cityforall.ca/housing_for_...
cityforall.ca
A CITY FOR ALL: A Collective Call For Change
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Social Planning Toronto @planningtoronto.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
An incredible resource!
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Nick Hune-Brown @nickhunebrown.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
The Candidate Tracker team has been in the trenches reporting and fact-checking bios and platform summaries for EVERY SINGLE CANDIDATE in the 2026 Toronto election. No AI, no campaign talking points. Bookmark it, send it to a friend, we'll update until election day. thelocal.to/candidate-tr...
thelocal.to
Candidate Tracker: Toronto Election 2026 | The Local
The only place to find reported, fact-checked biographies and platform summaries for every candidate running in the 2026 Toronto municipal election.
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Social Planning Toronto @planningtoronto.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
We all deserve to thrive in our city, but so many of us continue to struggle. If we raise our voices together, we can spark bold change and push leaders at City Hall to take action and build a city for all. www.cityforall.ca
cityforall.ca
A CITY FOR ALL: A Collective Call For Change
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Social Planning Toronto @planningtoronto.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Climate, Housing, Affordability: What’s at Stake This Election www.socialplanningtoronto.org/read_our_sep...
socialplanningtoronto.org
Read our September 2026 Newsletter
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Social Planning Toronto @planningtoronto.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Toronto has an election on October 26. There are plenty of opportunities to learn more about the candidates and where they stand on the issues, with mayoral debates happening tonight (at Daily Bread Food Bank) and tomorrow (at Young People's Theatre): www.socialplanningtoronto.org/toronto_vote...
socialplanningtoronto.org
2026 Toronto Election Resources
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Social Planning Toronto @planningtoronto.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Migrants have the right to protest without fear. Today we are joining 250+ orgs to defend it. Join us: MigrantRights.ca/RighttoProtest #DefendRightToProtest
migrantrights.ca
Migrant Have The Right To Protest - Migrant Rights Network
250+ organizations across Canada are standing with Portage students and defending migrants’ right to speak out, organize and protest. Migrants are part of our movements. We will not allow immigration enforcement to be used to frighten people out of speaking up for their rights. Sign the petition Organizations: Endorse the open letter Migrants: Know Your
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Social Planning Toronto @planningtoronto.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Large paved surfaces contribute significantly to the amount of stormwater runoff that overflows into the City's sewer system, instead of absorbing it into the ground. How can the city make Big Oil and box stores pay their fair share? www.socialplanningtoronto.org/parkinglevy
socialplanningtoronto.org
Making Big Oil and Big Box Stores Pay Up: Funding a Flood Safe and Transit-Friendly City
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Social Planning Toronto @planningtoronto.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
"One of the best ways to combat climate anxiety is to take action[...]This can be as simple as writing to your local representative to ask them to enact green policies." www.thestar.com/life/health-...
thestar.com
Climate anxiety caused her to switch career paths. How this existential angst is affecting young Canadians
Existential eco distress is affecting Canadians’ life decisions, and can spiral into hopeless ‘doomerism.’ Experts share how to manage it.
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Lanrick Bennett @lanrickbennett.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
#IdeasAtWork ‘Voice the Vote’ Calling community organizations and local leaders across Ontario! Keep an eye out for instructions on how to register. Coming soon! Powered by @torontomet.bsky.social @unitedwaygt.bsky.social
voicethevote.ca Calling community organizations and local leaders across Ontario!
The election is on October 26th and we're here to help you get ready for it, with three in-person and three virtual information and training sessions in the coming weeks.
Save the date for these sessions to build the knowledge, strategies, and confidence to engage your community ahead of the elections.
Keep an eye out for instructions on how to register.
Coming soon!GET MUNICIPAL ELECTION READY WITH VOICE THE VOTE TRAININGS
OCTOBER 26
SAVE THE DATE
Municipal Elections
10:00AM - 8:00PM
Learn about municipal elections, municipal government, and strategies for civic engagement ahead of October 26th.
LEARN WHERE & WHENOUR
IN-PERSON MUNICIPAL ELECTION TRAINING
DATES FOR PEEL, TORONTO.
AND YORK
LUNCH INCLUDED

JULY 28
Toronto Training
10:00AM - 1:00PM
AUGUST 25
York Training
10:00AM - 1:00PM
SEPTEMBER 10
Peel Training
10:00AM - 1:00PMOUR VIRTUAL
MUNICIPAL ELECTION TRAINING
DATES FOR ACROSS ONTARIO
AMS
Association of Municipalities of Ontario
AN AMO & VOICE THE VOTE PARTNERSHIP

JULY 30
Info Session
10:30AM - 11:30AM
AUGUST 27
Ontario Training
10:30AM - 11:30AM
SEPTEMBER 14
Ontario Training
10:30AM - 11:30AM
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Social Planning Toronto @planningtoronto.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
We're hiring! Social Planning Toronto is looking for a Community Planner. This is a full-time, 12-month contract. Full details, including salary range and benefits, are available at www.socialplanningtoronto.org/careers
socialplanningtoronto.org
Current Opportunities
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Social Planning Toronto @planningtoronto.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Read our submission to the Toronto and East York Community Council in support of a zoning by-law amendment to build affordable housing. We're pleased to share that this item was approved, and will move to Council later this month. www.socialplanningtoronto.org/submission_t...
socialplanningtoronto.org
Submission to the Toronto and East York Community Council Regarding Zoning Amendment for Affordable Housing
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TNG Community Services @tngcommunityto.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
Know a student who wants to get involved in their community? Our Student Volunteer Fair is a chance to meet local organizations, explore volunteer opportunities, and learn how to get involved. Register here: forms.office.com/Pages/Respon...
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Jay Pitter @jaypitter.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
It’s alarming that pedestrianization projects—among the most powerful catalysts of public joy practices & expressions—are being viewed so heavily through a policing lens. This approach reveals significant gaps in the City’s thinking & vision as it strives to expand pedestrianization initiatives.
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Shawn Micallef @shawnmicallef.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
It’s impossible to get, say, a full time washroom attendant in Toronto to keep them nice. On example. Everything declines except the police supply of public money.
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Social Planning Toronto @planningtoronto.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
Thank you to CBC's @metromorning.bsky.social for covering the release of our latest Child and Family Poverty Report Card. Listen to an interview with Stacia Stewart, our Director of Research, Policy, & Comms: www.cbc.ca/listen/live-...
cbc.ca
© CBC/Radio-Canada 2026. All rights reserved.
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Social Planning Toronto @planningtoronto.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
Toronto Tenant Union will be hosting an orientation this Tuesday, June 16 at Thorncliffe Park Community Hub. Food will be provided: www.tenantunion.ca/orientation
tenantunion.ca
Hot New Tenant Union Orientation in YOUR Area 👀
Let's get organized. We know we are stronger together. On Tuesday, June 16th at 6:30 pm, join organizers from the Toronto Tenant Union at our orientation at the Thorncliffe Park Community Hub! We’ll ...
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Social Planning Toronto @planningtoronto.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
Toronto Tenant Union will be hosting an orientation this Tuesday, June 16 at Thorncliffe Park Community Hub. Food will be provided: www.tenantunion.ca/orientation
tenantunion.ca
Hot New Tenant Union Orientation in YOUR Area 👀
Let's get organized. We know we are stronger together. On Tuesday, June 16th at 6:30 pm, join organizers from the Toronto Tenant Union at our orientation at the Thorncliffe Park Community Hub! We’ll ...
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Toronto Star @thestar.com · 09/06/2026
“Behind every number is a real family trying to afford the basics — housing, food, child care, transit and recreation,” said Sharma Queiser, who helped put together the report for @planningtoronto.bsky.social.
thestar.com
Toronto child poverty rates rise for third straight year: ‘How can it be acceptable?’
The Social Planning Toronto report includes profiles of all 25 wards to help residents understand what child poverty looks like in each neighbourhood.
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Social Planning Toronto @planningtoronto.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
Between 2020 and 2023, child and family poverty rates in Toronto rose for three consecutive years. '“Right now the city of Toronto is the only level of government that’s listening to us,” said Jin Huh, executive director of SPT.' www.thestar.com/news/gta/tor...
thestar.com
Toronto child poverty rates rise for third straight year: ‘How can it be acceptable?’
The Social Planning Toronto report includes profiles of all 25 wards to help residents understand what child poverty looks like in each neighbourhood.
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Social Planning Toronto @planningtoronto.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
"But it’s the end of a nine-year era of broad access to safe consumption in Toronto, an era that began when harm reduction activists pitched a tent in Moss Park in 2017 and started reversing overdoses on their own." thelocal.to/moss-park-sa... via @thelocal.to @emmapaling.bsky.social
thelocal.to
The Long Last Days of Toronto’s First Safe Consumption Site | The Local
Nick says he’ll go back to Manitoulin. Texas can’t even think about the closure. Inside Moss Park in the final days of a nine-year era of safe consumption.
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Ontario Health Coalition @onthealthcoalition.bsky.social · 21/05/2026
THURSDAY, MAY 28: at 12 pm noon, we will gather outside Union Station for a rally then march to Queen's Park for a giant protest outside the Ontario Legislature. Groups will be joining in along the way.
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Social Planning Toronto @planningtoronto.bsky.social · 25/05/2026
📝Read our 2026 pre-budget submission to the federal government, with recommendations on income supports, housing affordability, and other poverty reduction measures: www.socialplanningtoronto.org/federalbudge...
socialplanningtoronto.org
Read Our 2026 Pre-Budget Submission to the Federal Government
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Social Planning Toronto @planningtoronto.bsky.social · 19/05/2026
May 19 is Personal Support Worker Day. Delayed and inadequate action to address PSWs’ employment concerns has resulted in labour shortages, compromising access to much-needed care for Ontarians. Read our latest op-ed in the Toronto Star: www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
thestar.com
These workers support us in our homes, but are burnt out and underpaid. This is how we can help them
Without change, we will be facing a shortage of vital PSW's.
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Women's Shelters Canada @endvaw.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
We just launched our new report - Sheltering Under Pressure: Frontline Realities of Canada’s Violence Against Women Shelters and Transition Houses.  Head to our website to read the full report and learn more: endvaw.ca/research-pol...
endvaw.ca
National Report 2026: Sheltering Under Pressure - Women's Shelters Canada
WSC's new national report, Sheltering Under Pressure: Frontline Realities of Canada's ​​Violence Against Women Shelters and Transition Houses, provides a
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The Local Magazine @thelocal.to · 29/04/2026
This week, changes to the Interim Federal Health Program, a stopgap for refugees and asylum seekers, come into effect. Photographer @chloeellingson.bsky.social & reporter @wencyleung.bsky.social go inside one Toronto refugee centre to tell stories of the people affected. thelocal.to/refugee-heal...
thelocal.to
When Refugees Can’t Afford the Care They Need | The Local
New federal cuts to Canada's refugee health program take effect this week. The people who work with asylum seekers say the consequences could be devastating.
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Social Planning Toronto @planningtoronto.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
Are you interested in working towards a more equitable Toronto? SPT is currently seeking 2 volunteers to join our 10-member Board of Directors. Learn more and apply: www.socialplanningtoronto.org/join_our_boa...
socialplanningtoronto.org
Join Our Board of Directors: 2026 Call For Nominations
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The Local Magazine @thelocal.to · 29/04/2026
New federal cuts to Canada's refugee health program take effect this week. The people who work with asylum seekers say the consequences could be devastating. thelocal.to/refugee-heal...
thelocal.to
When Refugees Can’t Afford the Care They Need | The Local
New federal cuts to Canada's refugee health program take effect this week. The people who work with asylum seekers say the consequences could be devastating.
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Social Planning Toronto @planningtoronto.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
What’s at stake in Ontario’s school board governance overhaul—and how you can take action: www.socialplanningtoronto.org/trustees_equ...
socialplanningtoronto.org
Trustees, Equity, and Community Voice: What's at Stake in Ontario's School Board Governance Overhaul
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TTCriders @ttcriders.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
You can’t spend years trying to force people off door-to-door Wheeltrans service if you don’t have working elevators. This isn’t an “inconvenience,” it’s an affront to everyone with accessibility needs. toronto.citynews.ca/2026/04/20/a...
toronto.citynews.ca
All elevators at TTC subway stations out of service
Approximately 67 of the TTC's 70 subway stations currently have elevator access to train platforms.
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Social Planning Toronto @planningtoronto.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
🗳️Toronto has a municipal election on October 26, 2026! What are some of the issues you would like to see prioritized?
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Social Planning Toronto @planningtoronto.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
Are you interested in working towards a more equitable Toronto? SPT is currently seeking 2 volunteers to join our 10-member Board of Directors. Learn more and apply: www.socialplanningtoronto.org/join_our_boa...
socialplanningtoronto.org
Join Our Board of Directors: 2026 Call For Nominations
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Social Planning Toronto @planningtoronto.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
Personal Support Workers are subsidizing Ontario's homecare system with their unpaid labour. Using their personal unpaid time, PSWs are working off the clock to provide adequate care to clients. Read more: www.socialplanningtoronto.org/carework
socialplanningtoronto.org
Caring about Care Workers: Centring Immigrant Women Personal Support Workers in Toronto’s Home Care Sector
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Social Planning Toronto @planningtoronto.bsky.social · 07/04/2026
A prominent tenant union based in Toronto’s northwestern corner that has helped prevent evictions, halt rent increases and force landlords to complete building repairs is going citywide. www.torontotoday.ca/local/real-e...
torontotoday.ca
A new tenant union is being founded in Toronto. What’s it all about?
On April 18, tenants from across the city will gather for the founding convention of the Toronto Tenant Union
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TNG Community Services @tngcommunityto.bsky.social · 06/04/2026
Give your broken items a second life! Join us on Saturday, April 25, at 349 Ontario St for our Repair Café! Learn how to fix household items with the help of skilled volunteers — free of charge. Let’s reduce waste together this Earth Month. Got repair skills? We’re also looking for volunteers!
A flyer for a community Repair Café event in Toronto. It shows a busy room with people sitting at tables fixing household items with volunteers. The text highlights: “Join Repair Café – Learn how to fix your broken household items.” Items that can be repaired include computers, small appliances, electronics, clothing, bikes, and more (one item per person). Event details: Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm (registration ends at 3:00 pm), located at 349 Ontario Street. The venue is wheelchair accessible, with parking for volunteers only. Contact information for organizers is listed at the bottom.
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Social Planning Toronto @planningtoronto.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
Read our March 2026 newsletter: www.socialplanningtoronto.org/march_2026_n...
socialplanningtoronto.org
March 2026 Newsletter
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Diana Chan McNally @dianachanmcnally.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
“[HART Hubs] don’t even seem to be providing what they’re supposed to be providing, which is recovery,” said community worker Diana Chan McNally. One year after closing safe consumption sites, drug treatment isn't more accessible and more people are dying from toxic drugs.
globalnews.ca
A year after HART Hubs opened, advocates say addiction services still MIA | Globalnews.ca
One year after Ontario closed supervised consumption sites for HART Hubs, advocates say long waitlists for addiction treatment continue and the new model doesn't do enough.
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TNG Community Services @tngcommunityto.bsky.social · 21/03/2026
“I’m not sure whether people will make the trip, or in fact, they will just use unsafely, or as we’ve observed, people will start using (on public transit), people are using in public libraries,” Sinclair says. Read more: toronto.citynews.ca/2026/03/19/t... #SitesSavesLives
toronto.citynews.ca
Toronto's donor-funded consumption sites bracing for fallout
Joanne Simons, CEO of Casey House, says her team was “devastated” to learn the province was defunding the seven sites.
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Social Planning Toronto @planningtoronto.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
On March 25, Daily Bread Food Bank is hosting a Candidates’ Debate for the federal by-election in Toronto's University Rosedale riding. Learn more and register: www.eventbrite.ca/e/candidates...
eventbrite.ca
Candidates' Debate - University-Rosedale Riding
Join us for an exclusive event to hear directly from the candidates nominated for the University-Rosedale riding during the federal by-elect
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Social Planning Toronto @planningtoronto.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
Our report, Caring About Care Workers, is referenced in this article about barriers to immigration: www.thestar.com/news/canada/... Read our report here: www.socialplanningtoronto.org/carework2026
thestar.com
Immigration cuts have left her no path to stay in Canada — even though she’s exactly the type of worker the country needs
Even with a shortage in the sector, foreign care workers already working in the country are facing steep barriers to staying amid immigration cuts.
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Social Planning Toronto @planningtoronto.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
A new report from Campaign 2000 found nearly 1.4 million children in Canada are living in poverty. Read the full report: campaign2000.ca/new-release-... See how you can take action: campaign2000.ca/get-involved...
campaign2000.ca
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TTCriders @ttcriders.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
TTCriders says the city doesn't need more enforcement on transit. “We’ve called for, multiple times, more staff presence, things like station ambassadors and Toronto Community Crisis Service Workers.” Read advocates' pushback to the province's move to grant more powers to transit cops ⬇️
thestar.com
Doug Ford wants TTC officers to crack down on drug users. Why some say that’s a bad idea
The provincial government is exploring a move that would grant greater authority to the city’s specialized transit peace officers
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Social Planning Toronto @planningtoronto.bsky.social · 18/02/2026
Due to underfunding and privatization, Ontario's home care system is heavily subsidized by the underpaid and unpaid labour of personal support workers. This sector is largely comprised of immigrant and racialized women. Read our report: www.socialplanningtoronto.org/carework
socialplanningtoronto.org
Caring about Care Workers: Centring Immigrant Women Personal Support Workers in Toronto’s Home Care Sector
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Social Planning Toronto @planningtoronto.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
By our calculation, the final 2026 City Budget invests $30.445 million in new and enhanced programs and services, including legal services for tenants and resources for unhoused residents through Toronto drop-in centres. Read our full recap: www.socialplanningtoronto.org/final_2026_c...
socialplanningtoronto.org
Final 2026 City Budget Makes Targeted Investments in Key Services
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Social Planning Toronto @planningtoronto.bsky.social · 10/02/2026
Downloading of critical public services without sufficient resources to fund them has left the City of Toronto with an ongoing structural revenue problem. Intergovernmental action is needed: www.socialplanningtoronto.org/toronto_s_an...
socialplanningtoronto.org
Toronto’s Annual Budget Pressures and the Role of Senior Orders of Government
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Alyshah Hasham @alyshah.bsky.social · 10/02/2026
It's BUDGET DAY and already questions are being asked about whether mayor Olivia Chow is "raiding" the reserve funds for a very low property tax increase in an election year. Luckily, @benspurr.bsky.social and Mahdis Habibinia explain what's going on here: www.thestar.com/news/gta/is-...
thestar.com
Is Mayor Olivia Chow ‘raiding’ Toronto’s reserves in the 2026 budget?
Coun. Brad Bradford is accusing the mayor of using the city's bank accounts to "buy Torontonians' votes" with an artificially low tax rate. Do his allegations have any merit?
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Social Planning Toronto @planningtoronto.bsky.social · 05/02/2026
New sponsors have been announced for our 2026 Toronto Budget Rally! Join us at City Hall on Tuesday, Feb. 10 from 12 - 2 while City Council votes on the 2026 budget. It's time to send a strong message: we need to fund a city where everyone can thrive. socialplanningtoronto.org/fundourcity
FUND OUR CITY
2026 Toronto budget rally
Tuesday, February 10, 12 - 2 p.m.
Toronto City Hall (100 Queen St. W)

ACORN Toronto;

Campaign 2000;

The Centre for Independent Living in Toronto;

Don Valley Community Legal Services;

Family Service Toronto;

Federation of Metro Tenants Association;

North York Harvest Food Bank;

Progress Toronto;

Social Planning Toronto;

South Asian Women’s and Immigrant Services;

TNG Community Services;

Toronto and York Region Labour Council;

Toronto Community Benefits Network;

Toronto Environmental Alliance;

Toronto Public Library Workers Union Local 4948;

TTCriders;

YWCA Toronto
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Social Planning Toronto @planningtoronto.bsky.social · 04/02/2026
The Mayor and City Council have invested more than $266 million in new and enhanced services through the 2024 and 2025 City budgets. These investments form part of the base budget in 2026 and future years. Read our analysis of the Mayor's 2026 Budget: www.socialplanningtoronto.org/mayor_s_budg...
socialplanningtoronto.org
Mayor’s Budget Makes Modest Improvements, Protects Recent Investments in Community Services
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Social Planning Toronto @planningtoronto.bsky.social · 03/02/2026
Our latest op-ed in the Toronto Star, published in collaboration with @tngcommunityto.bsky.social, explains why supervised consumption sites are not creating a problem; they are responding to one: www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
thestar.com
Doug Ford is wrong about supervised consumption sites
New data suggests that consumption sites do not cause crime to spike.
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Social Planning Toronto @planningtoronto.bsky.social · 29/01/2026
On February 10, Toronto City Council will be voting on the 2026 City Budget. Social Planning Toronto and partners are organizing a community rally outside City Hall to let Council know this is no time for cuts. Learn more and RSVP: www.socialplanningtoronto.org/save_the_date
Dear City Council:
FUND OUR CITY
2026 Toronto budget rally
Tuesday, February 10, 12 - 2 p.m.
Toronto City Hall (100 Queen St. W)
Bring your signs! 
ASL Interpretation provided
Accessible washrooms and limited seating on site
Hot chocolate and snacks while supplies last
Outdoor event; dress appropriately
Meet in front of City Hall entrance
Closest TTC: Osgoode subway station (Line 1)
 
ACORN Toronto
The Centre for Independent Living in Toronto
Don Valley Community Legal Services
Federation of Metro Tenants Association
North York Harvest Food Bank
Social Planning Toronto
South Asian Women’s and Immigrant Services
TNG Community Services
Toronto and York Region Labour Council
Toronto Community Benefits Network
TTCriders
YWCA Toronto
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