Year 1
In 2016, the City of Toronto made new investments in poverty reduction initiatives, maintained investments made in the previous year, approved key policies, and expanded and improved essential services to vulnerable residents. Here are some examples of progress in this year:
- The City invested in student nutrition programs, employment programs, shelters, child care fee subsidies, and the Toronto Community Housing Corporation, among others.
- The City maintained 2015 investments, including the expansion of Recreation Centres Where Programs Are Free, the expansion of Library services, and free TTC for children 12 years of age and under.
- City Council approved the Social Procurement Program, which will increase access to City contracts for businesses that are owned by, employ, or provide employment training to equity-seeking communities and low-income residents.
- City divisions introduced innovative approaches to program development and delivery, including wrap-around supports and differentiated services aimed at improving outcomes for Ontario Works recipients facing barriers to employment.
Read the year 1 community report and learn about what we achieved in 2016 and where we are going in 2017.
Year 2
The 2017 Work Plan contained 91 initiatives. 47 initiatives are completed. 37 are being actioned: they are partially completed, in progress, or on going. Only three were deferred to 2018 and four were deemed not to be feasible after further assessment. Highlights include:
- 1,500 new affordable rental homes, 700 new affordable ownership homes in development
- Implementation plan for the reform of the TCHC approved
- York Recreation Center added to the list of centers where programs are free
- Youth programs in libraries and recreation centers expanded and improved
- In July, Council approved the creation of 2,189 child care fee subsidies funded through
- 162 spaces and 2,916 fee subsidies were added to the child care system
- Student Nutrition Program strengthened and expanded, reaching nearly 180,000 students
- Lived Experience Advisory Group launched
- Equity Responsive Budgeting tool developed and rolled out
Read the 2017 Report to Community for more information.
