Yesterday, the city's top bureaucrat, the City Manager, released a report on proposed service cuts to many city services, including key environmental services such as Community Environment Days, the Toronto Atmospheric Fund and the Toronto Environment Office.
Torontonians don't want cuts.
These cuts were made despite overwhelming public support for services and modest tax increases to protect them. In the last 5 months, public voices were heard in the largest survey ever conducted by the City, and by the hundreds who spoke at meetings in July. Read the City Manager's report summarizing public input on the suggested cuts.
Key services are still on the chopping block.
The City Manager has outlined many recommendations for services to cut right now, or in the near future. See our website for more information.
Environmental services to cut now
- Community Environment Days
- Toronto Atmospheric Fund
- Toronto Environment Office
- Environmental education attractions at urban farms and zoos (Riverdale Farm, High Park Zoo, Toronto Island Farm)
Environmental services to consider cutting in the future
- TTC Blue Night Bus Network
- TTC services to reduce overcrowding
- WheelTrans accessibility
- Waste diversion targets
- Tree canopy targets
The cuts aren't new, and won't stop soon.
While Council debates cutting these environmental programs, it's important to remember many services have already been cut in recent months.
Recent cuts include the elimination of LiveGreen community animators program, the community stormwater education grants, cuts to TTC service and expansion, bike lanes,water efficiency programs, and delays to waste diversion programs.
Contact your councillor today to say that you want our environmental programs protected. Find your councillor's phone and email here (or call 311).
Sincerely,
The TEA team
Sign our Petition!
Tell Councillors that Environmental Services are not 'Gravy'!
Let your councillor know that you want them to say no to environmental service cuts, especially quick decisions with no information about economic, social or environmental impacts.
Sign our petition today, and share it with friends and family.
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