How James Pasternak voted at council

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1. 2024.MM18.24ADOPTED

   Requesting the Province to Protect Small Businesses and Support Vibrant, Affordable, and Successful Mainstreets

   The vibrancy of Toronto’s main streets are dependent upon successful local businesses. Small restaurant, bookstore, clothing shop, and cafe owners give our neighbourhoods their unique character. Unfortunately, too many local businesses are under threat from unfair commercial rent hikes. Unlike residential rentals built before 2018, there is no rent control for small business owners. This lack of protection has resulted in neighbourhoods losing far too many of their favourite stores and restaurants in favour of chains that can afford higher rent. According to data from the Better Way Alliance, an Ontario-based network of employers, in Toronto, commercial retail rent increased by 20 percent between 2021-2023. This places significant pressure on many businesses, forcing many to shut down due to unsustainable increases as high as 20-100 percent. Based on a survey conducted by the Better Way Alliance, over half respondents indicated that rent represented more than 60 percent of their overall expenses. Beyond inflation commercial rent hikes not only affect current business owners but discourage new entrepreneurs from starting a business in the first place. Bar and restaurant owner…

   City Council · 2024-05-23 22:27 PM

   Adopt Item

   James Pasternak's vote: Yes

   Majority required - MM18.24 - Adopt the Item

   Motion result

   Carried

   Recorded tally

   21-1

   Source outcome