City Council Meeting Summary

High-level summary - The meeting centered on the 2026 budget review process, addressing quorum and technical issues, public input opportunities, and the review of accountability offices and major divisions. No motions were reported as passed, rejected, or deferred in this portion, but public participation steps and briefing-note follow-ups were outlined.

Five most important topics (with impact and quotes) 1) Quorum and Technical Issues - The meeting opened with delays caused by technical problems affecting Deputy Mayor Morley’s connection, which were necessary to form quorum. Councillor Carroll stated, "The deputy mayor forms quorum... Just give us a couple of minutes." This underscored the critical role of reliable technology in virtual attendance. - Public comment: None directly captured for this item; the focus was on restoring participation to proceed with business.

2) 2026 Budget Review Process - The Budget Committee is conducting a three-day review of city service area budgets, with detailed questions to divisions and staff. Councillor Carroll explained, "Over three days, budget committee is hearing presentations from city service areas and asking detailed questions of divisions and agency staff on their budgets." - File reference: BU 11.1 (budget committee agenda item for the 2026 budget review).

3) Public Consultation on the 2026 Budget - Public input is being welcomed for the 2026 budget. Subcommittee meetings are scheduled for January 20 and 21, with in-person or video conferencing options. Councillor Carroll encouraged participation and provided a contact method: "Members of the public who wish to speak to one of these meetings should email bu@toronto.ca and request to speak." - Public input process details and contact email reiterated for accessibility.

4) Accountability Officials’ Budgets - The committee will review the budgets of several accountability offices, including the Auditor General, the Office of the Integrity Commissioner, the Office of the Lobbyist Registrar, and Ombudsman Toronto. Councillor Carroll noted, "This is questions only... we won’t have presentations," signaling a questions-driven session rather than formal presentations.

5) Presentations from Key City Divisions - The agenda includes presentations from the Deputy City Manager for community and emergency services, the Toronto Transit Commission, and the Toronto Police Service, covering a broad range of services (parks and recreation, emergency management, fire/paramedic services, and transit). Councillor Carroll indicated that after each presentation, "I’m going to open the floor to questions of staff on those budgets." - This highlights a comprehensive review across major city functions and potential implications for residents’ daily lives.

Opportunities for public input (contact points) - Public input is invited for the 2026 budget during subcommittee meetings on January 20 and 21. To participate, email bu@toronto.ca and request to speak. - Additional briefing-note requests for more information can be submitted to the clerk at bu@toronto.ca.

Motions and outcomes - Motions Passed: None explicitly mentioned in this section. - Motions Rejected: None explicitly mentioned. - Motions Deferred: None explicitly mentioned. - Note: No formal motions were recorded as approved or denied in this transcript excerpt; the section focuses on process, notices, and upcoming meetings.

Follow-up actions - Members of the Budget Committee are encouraged to submit briefing-note requests to the clerk at bu@toronto.ca for information not covered in presentations or analyst notes. - Public consultation sessions on the 2026 budget are scheduled for January 20 and 21, with opportunities for residents to provide input via bu@toronto.ca.

Councillors present - Councillor Shelley Carroll (Chair) - Deputy Mayor Morley (participating online to form quorum) - Councillor Rachel Charislin (online after initial technical difficulties)

File numbers discussed - BU 11.1: Budget Committee item related to the 2026 budget review.

Public input options (summary) - Email bu@toronto.ca to speak at subcommittee meetings on January 20-21, or provide briefing-note requests to the clerk at the same address.

Motions and outcomes (summary) - No motions were reported as passed, rejected, or deferred in this portion of the meeting.

Next steps (summary) - Submit briefing notes to bu@toronto.ca for additional information not covered in presentations. - Participate in the January 20-21 public budget subcommittee meetings to provide input.

Notes on participation - Attendees included three councillors and a mix of online and in-person participants, reflecting ongoing use of virtual proceedings.

If you’d like, I can adapt this into a shorter briefing for residents or expand any section with more quotes or procedural details.