Toronto/CMEDIA: Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow joined reportedly by Toronto Councillor Shelley Carroll (Don Valley North) and others highlighted today the new Red Tape Hotline survey to enable local business owners to navigate City processes and potential barriers.
“Toronto businesses are facing pressures on many fronts, from global tariffs to rising costs. By cutting red tape…businesses and making real changes to remove barriers and modernize how the City works with them, Olivia Chow said.
Being the backbone of Toronto’s businesses, Toronto business operators need the ability to respond quickly to changing market trends, but red tape can slow them down.
Launched earlier this year as a pilot, the Red Tape Hotline provides business owners a direct channel to report permitting delays, outdated bylaws and other unnecessary municipal barriers.
Urged to complete the Red Tape Hotline survey by Sunday, Nov 30, at toronto.ca/redtape with an aim to to guide business operators in Toronto by the input to remove barriers, streamline approvals, and make regulation more modern and responsive.
Included in the recommendations for administrative and bylaw changes will be a staff report on survey findings after tabling the Economic and Community Development Committee in early 2026.
Advancing the goals of ‘Sidewalks to Skylines: An Action Plan for Toronto’s Economy (2025–2035)’ this initiative complements Toronto’s economic response to U.S. tariffs by streamlining regulations, strengthening competitiveness and helping businesses stay resilient and focused on growth.
One of many ways the City supports local businesses, the Red Tape Hotline other initiatives include the Small Business Property Tax Subclass that provides tax relief to small businesses with increased financial incentives for Business Improvement Areas to improve and revitalize local commercial areas. Also included would be the TradeTO initiative to help Toronto companies expand into new markets and the annual Small Business Forum that takes place on Wednesday, Oct 29 at Meridian Hall.
More information about the City’s wider business supports is available on the City’s website: https://www.toronto.ca/business-economy/business-operation-growth/business-support/.
