Toronto small businesses seek affordability and safety from next mayor

Toronto’s smallbusiness community is pressing mayoral candidates for help with affordability, public safety and the effects of ongoing construction, tariffs and rising operating costs. At a Danforth pizza shop, owner Mohammad Firooz said roadwork and raised bike lanes have reduced foot and car traffic, leaving some businesses worried about losing revenue. Local business leaders say they want compensation or other support while construction continues. The Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas says property taxes, vandalism, crime, homelessness and mental health are also major concerns. Candidates, including Olivia Chow, Brad Bradford and Chris Alexander, have each pitched different plans, ranging from tax relief and new safety measures to fee reductions and support for people in crisis. Toronto has already raised its smallbusiness property tax reduction from 15% to 20%, and TABIA says that change is helping thousands of businesses. The city’s election is set for October 26.