Toronto Councillor Josh Matlow announces he’s running for mayor

He promises to create a dedicated property tax that would cost the average homeowner an extra $67 a year

Councillor Josh Matlow has announced he’ll run for mayor with a plan to address the general decline in Toronto.

If elected on June 26, he promises to create a City Works Fund, a dedicated property tax that would cost the average homeowner an extra $67 a year and raise more than $390 million over five years to improve services.

“The snow is not cleared on time, public washrooms are dirty, if they’re even open, and garbage bins are broken and overflowing. Last summer, 923 of Toronto’s 10,340 public waste bins were missing or out of service,” Matlow said in a message to supporters Tuesday.

“Our subways and buses are often late and overcrowded and not everyone can afford the steep fares. It’s practically an Olympic event to get your kids a spot in a city recreation program at the local community centre. Rents are skyrocketing and house prices are through the roof, forcing young people and newcomers out of Toronto.”

The departure of John Tory, who resigned in February just four months into his third term, has triggered a June 26 byelection.

Matlow said the deterioration of the city follows a decade of municipal leadership that kept taxes low by starving services.

The City Works Fund would ensure buses and streetcars run on time, libraries are open, and warm places are available for unhoused people to go when it’s cold outside, he said.

“Streets and sidewalks are cleared so parents with strollers or people with mobility issues can get around safely, roads aren’t cracked and covered in potholes, parks and recreation programs are accessible and available,” he said.

Matlow has been a city councillor since 2010, and represents the ward of Toronto-St. Paul’s.

aartuso@postmedia.com