Several measures are being proposed to tackle the city of Toronto’s budget crisis.

They include a new commercial parking levy, increasing the vacant homes tax from 1% to 3%, and raising the land transfer tax on luxury homes sold for $3-million plus.

As the city’s manager, interim chief financial officer and mayor Olivia Chow point out, along with the $1.5-billion budget shortfall next year, there’s a combined operating and capital budget pressure of $46-5-billion over the next decade.

Which is why the mayor feels there needs to be immediate and sustained support from the provincial and federal governments is needed to avoid significant tax increases, service cuts and or cancellation of capital projects including housing and transit.

”We’re asking them to step up.  Work with us,” urges Chow.

”So that we have a city that is strong because having a vibrant and affordable city means a strong Ontario.  A strong Canada.”

The recommendations go before a special Executive Committee next Thursday, then to council for debate and approval.