Fair & Open TO
This is a campaign by Fair & Open TO

 

Fair and Open TO

Toronto residents are paying far too much for local infrastructure projects — from new libraries to community centres. Why? Because Toronto is the only municipality in Ontario that does not allow a fully competitive bidding process on construction projects funded by your tax dollars.

 

Open tendering means more bidders, more skilled labour, better competition, and better value for taxpayers. When competition increases, more of the projects Toronto residents need actually get built.

 

The Problem
Right now, only contractors affiliated with select U.S.-based building trade unions can bid on industrial, commercial, and institutional (ICI) construction work in Toronto. That shuts out qualified local companies whose workers may belong to a different union — or no union at all.

 

Less competition means higher costs. And Toronto taxpayers are the ones footing the bill.

 

The Cost of Closed Tendering
Independent research shows Toronto could save $347 million every year by opening up the bidding process. That’s money that could go toward fixing aging infrastructure, building more housing, improving transit, or simply easing the burden on property taxpayers.

 

Meanwhile, Toronto’s property taxes have increased by 25% in just three years, even as the city’s repair backlog continues to grow.

 

Proof It Works

In 2019 the Region of Waterloo, Hamilton, and Sault Ste. Marie all adopted open tendering – and the City of Toronto said ‘NO.’ Now, they’re saving millions annually, and reaping the benefits of local contractors and workers building their projects. Waterloo Region alone is saving $24 million every year.

 

More Competition = Better Quality
Open tendering does not weaken Toronto’s fair wage policies or community benefits initiatives. Contractors would still have to meet the city’s rigorous standards for quality and safety. The only difference? More competition, lower costs, and more projects getting built.

 

It’s time for Toronto to adopt fair and open procurement. Taxpayers deserve better value — and a city that invests in more of the services and infrastructure we all rely on.

Allow For More Competition on City Construction Projects
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Dear <politician_name>,

I am writing as a Toronto resident and taxpayer to ask you to reverse course on Council’s decision on June 24 to move ahead with a Voluntary Recognition Agreement with LIUNA Local 183 and give a small group of unions exclusive access to City construction work.

This decision was made without public notice, staff analysis, or proper debate. It was added during discussion of an unrelated item. That is not how major decisions about taxpayer-funded construction should be made.

Toronto is the only municipality in Ontario that restricts construction bidding based on union affiliation. Everywhere else in Ontario, qualified contractors can compete. More competition means better prices, better value, and more opportunity for local workers and businesses.

Toronto’s closed system does the opposite. It limits choice, drives up costs, and shuts out skilled tradespeople and local contractors who pay taxes here and should have a fair shot at public work.

Property taxes have already gone up over 25% in the past four years. At a time when people are struggling with affordability, Council should be looking for ways to save money — not making construction more expensive by limiting who can work and bid.

Please support reversing this decision and back fair and open procurement for City construction projects. Toronto taxpayers deserve transparency, competition, and better value for their money.

Sincerely,
<full_name>
?
To:

Councillor in Toronto (dependent on postal code)

Olivia Chow <Mayor of Toronto>

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