Small Business Pressures
A local economy issue that advertisers and voters both care about
About This Issue
Small Business Pressures is emerging as a meaningful Toronto election issue because residents feel its effects directly in daily life. This page explains why small business pressures matters, how it connects to broader city debates, and what voters should ask candidates who want to shape Toronto’s next term.
What City Council Controls
City council influences important parts of this issue through budgets, bylaws, planning decisions, operations, service levels and public advocacy. In many cases, the province or federal government also matters, which is why candidates should be clear about both municipal powers and municipal limits.
Questions to Ask Candidates
- What is your practical plan on small business pressures over the next council term?
- What tradeoffs would your approach involve for residents, businesses or neighbourhoods?
- Which parts of this issue can Toronto control directly, and which require action from other governments?
- How would the public know whether your plan is working?
- What would you prioritize first if elected?
Why This Matters in Toronto
Small businesses are a visible part of Toronto's neighbourhoods, and many owners are facing a squeeze from higher costs, weaker foot traffic in some areas, construction disruption and shifting conditions since the pandemic. Residents notice this issue through the storefronts that open, close or stay empty on their streets, and through the character of the neighbourhoods they rely on. The city can influence conditions for small business through permitting, patio and curb-lane rules, support for business improvement areas, property tax policy and how it manages construction and public space around commercial strips. It cannot control broader economic pressures, but its choices affect how hard or easy it is to run a local business. Candidates may differ on how much the city should do to support small business, on regulation and fees, and on how to balance business needs with other priorities like safety, housing and public-space use. Voters may want to ask candidates what specifically they would change to make it easier to open and run a small business in Toronto, and how they would help businesses survive construction and other disruption.
Key Voices in the Debate
- BIAs
- Josh Matlow
- Paula Fletcher
- Toronto Region Board of Trade
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does small business pressures matter in the Toronto election?
Small business owners face a squeeze from higher costs, weaker foot traffic, construction and changing neighbourhood conditions.
What can City Council do about small business pressures?
City council influences important parts of this issue through budgets, bylaws, planning decisions, operations, service levels and public advocacy. In many cases, the province or federal government also matters, which is why candidates should be clear about both municipal powers and municipal limits.
What should voters ask candidates about small business pressures?
Voters should ask what candidates would prioritize first, what trade-offs their plan involves, and which parts of the issue Toronto can control directly.