Politics
SoHo Mayor Rolls Out 2026 Local Services Reallocation Ordinance, Shifting Resident Permit and Fee Structures
The ordinance redirects $3.4 million in city funds to alter parking, library and transit fees paid by SoHo households from this quarter onward.
How we reported this
The SoHo City Council approved the Local Services Reallocation Ordinance on 2 July 2026, directing municipal revenue toward street maintenance and community facility operations that directly set the price of resident parking permits, library cards and select bus passes.
The measure follows the release of the council's June budget reconciliation report, which identified a $4.1 million surplus in fines collected during the prior fiscal year. Council records show the ordinance applies to all 12 neighbourhoods within SoHo boundaries and takes effect on 1 August.
Changes to resident costs and access
Under the new schedule, annual resident parking permits drop from $185 to $162 for the first vehicle per household. Library overdue fines are eliminated for items returned within 14 days, while monthly senior transit passes rise by $4 to $38. These adjustments apply at the point of renewal or purchase at the municipal service centre on Broome Street.
The legislation states that $2.1 million of the redirected amount will fund additional street resurfacing crews, with work scheduled to begin on six blocks of Prince Street and West Broadway in September. Another $1.3 million supports extended weekday hours at the SoHo branch library until 8 p.m.
City finance documents project that 8,700 permit holders will receive the lower rate in the first year. Local advocates note the change aligns with the council's existing fee review cycle conducted every 24 months.
Implementation begins with updated payment portals on 1 August, followed by three in-person information sessions at the community centre on 12, 19 and 26 August. Residents can review the full fee table on the city website or request printed copies at any municipal office.