The two levels of government have been working on a so−called "new deal" for the city, which is facing a $1.5−billion deficit, and had agreed to avoid new taxes and cuts to frontline services.

Ford says the two highways – the Gardiner Expressway and the Don Valley Parkway – will never be tolled by the province.

The premier says the province will give Toronto up to $1.2 billion over the next three years to be used for more homeless shelters and more police officers in the transit system.

In return, the city will approve the province’s plans to redevelop Ontario Place.

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow says the deal will help the city address its financial issues and allow it to spend more money on building affordable housing and transit that would otherwise be spent on repairing highways.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 27, 2023.

The Canadian Press