Councillor to share budget insight with residents at town hall meetings

The first takes place Tuesday, Jan. 10 at the OFL Building; the second takes place Thursday, Jan. 12 at Leaside Gardens. Both go from 7 to 9 p.m.

"The city is facing a very serious budget crunch and most people understand that...There are a lot of confusing signals floating around about the city's finances," Parker said. "I'm hoping with these meetings I can present a clear message about the actual situation of the city's finances and the measures the city is contemplating."

Two days of public deputations on the budget took place in December. The budget committee will make its final recommendations Monday and the 2012 budget goes to executive committee Jan. 12. Parker is a member of both committees.

There are no further opportunities for official public comment before these dates or before the budget goes to full city council for final approval Jan. 17 to 19.

Parker said he's heard from many residents about what services they want to see preserved in the budget.

"People recognize there is a need for restraint, but nobody wants restraint in the area that matters to them the most," he said.

While Parker is open to hearing feedback from residents who attend the town halls, the focus of the events is really to explain the fiscal situation councillors are dealing with as they prepare to pass the 2012 budget.

"We'll see how it all plays out, but what I'm hoping for is an understanding," he said. "I'm hoping we can come out of the meetings with a good understanding of just where we are and the challenges we are facing."

The OFL Building is at 15 Gervais Dr., (near Don Mills Road and Eglinton Avenue) and Leaside Gardens is at 1073 Millwood Rd.