October 21, 2007
'Do-good' programs 1st to lose
Need land transfer tax: Miller

By TOM GODFREY, SUN MEDIA

Groups like FoodShare which help thousands of Toronto residents would be the first to lose city funding if the mayor's proposed land transfer tax isn't passed by council tomorrow, Mayor David Miller said yesterday.

"These kind of programs are the first on the chopping block to go," Miller said at the opening of a FoodShare training and education centre on Croatia St.

"The tax will allow us to invest in communities and create new opportunities," he said.

City council is poised tomorrow to consider hitting Toronto residents with a new transfer tax and a $60-a-year vehicle registration fee.

In what were expected to be his last comments before the vote, Miller said it doesn't cost much to keep local programs operating but there's no change in the city's till.

"These kinds of programs are at risk," he said. "We don't have the funds to rescue and reinvest in them."

More than 200 supporters and politicians showed up for the opening of the west-end facility yesterday.

FoodShare head Lori Nikkel said city funds are required by many community non-profit organizations to stay alive.

"We empower and educate people through food," Nikkel said.

"We take an innovative and long-term approach to hunger and food issues," she said.

The group, which was formed in 1994, distributes 4,000 food boxes monthly to 200 neighbourhood-based drop offs, including day cares, churches and apartment buildings. They also provide nutrition for 85,000 school kids.