Small Businesses Demand Action on Safety and Costs in Mayoral Race
AI-generated image · Bay Street Wire
Toronto storefronts face a 'perfect storm' of rising operating costs, property crime, and construction disruptions as candidates pitch relief plans.
Toronto's small-business community is facing what John Kiru, CEO of the Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas (TABIA), describes as a "perfect storm" of rising operating costs, public safety concerns, and challenges related to mental health and homelessness. According to reporting from CBC Toronto, TABIA—which represents over 85 BIAs and 90,000 local businesses and property owners—is calling for the next mayor to address commercial property taxes and property crime.
Local impacts are already visible on the street. Mohammad Firooz, owner of Subhan Halal Pizza and Chicken, told CBC Toronto that municipal infrastructure work and raised bike lanes on Danforth Avenue have blocked customer access, which he described as a "total disaster." Louis Dapergolas of the Danforth Village BIA added that some businesses may be forced to close due to lost revenue and are seeking financial compensation from the city.
Mayoral candidates have proposed various solutions to these crises:
* **Mayor Olivia Chow** is promoting a "love local" campaign to support industry amid Canada-U.S. trade uncertainty and has pledged $28 million over four years for youth violence prevention programs. * **Brad Bradford** proposes freezing property taxes for one year, adding 1,000 net new frontline officers, and creating a permanent tariff-response table. * **Chris Alexander** has suggested waiving first-year licensing fees for new storefronts, cutting renewal fees by 50%, and providing supportive homes with integrated mental health and addiction treatment.
While CBC Toronto reports that Mayor Chow previously increased the small-business property tax reduction from 15% to 20%—benefiting nearly 29,000 businesses—Kiru says more businesses still need to qualify for that relief.