I agree with Wolfe, vdk, BJB. BUT I think that Toronto's real problem is that it does not charge for services what they actually cost PLUS an allowance for improvement. Every year the council meanders around the budget trying to cut corners here and there.
Example. If you need $300MM a year to fix the roads and $200MM a year to fix the water system then add that to the property tax. Infrastructure you just have no choice but to pay for it
In the middle , if the Police decide they have to have more officers or newer cars that is the time to negotiate and maybe to tell them no. If the directly employed city workers want a big raise, negotiate but be prepared to put the work out to contract
However, if you need $20MM a year to keep the school swimming pools open then have a plebiscite. Firstly on the general populace who pay education taxes and if they are willing then thats ok. If not then just on the parents, if they are willing then thats ok to. Else shut them down.
Maybe that will cause property taxes to rise by 10 or 20%. So what? There are plenty of people who would be happy to live in a functional city and pay the shot. If taxes rise.. then some will move out. Ok.
Before doing any of this get rid of all the NDP fellow travelers on council especially the Mayor, and replace them all with Tory voting small businessmen and women.