Small businesses across Toronto are facing an unprecedented wave of criminal break and enters that are affecting the daily lives of these business owners who are already struggling to recover and survive in the post-COVID environment. These small businesses owners are our friends and neighbours and help make up the fabric of our main street communities keeping them vibrant and ensuring that we have opportunities to shop local. Taken on their own, these selfish crimes may seem petty, but they are happening at an alarming rate and have a devastating impact on small business owners who may not be able to afford security guards or sophisticated alarm systems. These break-ins cause a disproportionate impact on the cost of repairs, lost business and increased insurance to name a few. On February 7, 2024, Council passed my motion MM14.16 - Summit to Solve the Epidemic of Criminal Break-and-Enters Against Small Business in the City of Toronto. On March 1, 2024, I organized and hosted the Summit attended by Toronto Police Service, Toronto Association Business Improvement Areas, many Business Improvement Areas and small business along with retail industry associations and a payments provider. It is vital that the City of Toronto have a program to support small businesses to protect themselves and prevent these crimes. The City of Toronto’s Commercial Façade Improvement Grant Program provides grants for security related improvements. The Program is continuously oversubscribed. This motion should be deemed urgent due to the need for immediate action at all levels of government, and the need for a joint response to crack down on these crimes and educate small business owners on the best actions to prevent the devastating effects of these break-ins.
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