Toronto Council Approves City-Run Grocery Stores

0:00It's March 27. This is Toronto News today, AI-powered stories from your city. I'm Corey, with the story. Toronto City Council has Greenlit a pilot project for four city-run grocery stores. The idea, pushed by Councillor Anthony Peruzza, aims to offer affordable food by skipping profits and cutting property taxes. This comes as many residents struggle with rising costs. Mayor Olivia Chow expanded the plan during Thursday's meeting. She added a review of city tools to curb price gouging by big retailers. Chow praised the proposal as fresh thinking that voters won. Counselors showed mixed feelings. Some, like Paul Ainsley with his food industry background, called for more expert input on food security. Others worried about risks in government-run shops. The motion passed 21-3, with absences from two members. Critics like Stephen Holiday argued private stores already compete well on basics like milk and potatoes. Now Council will study the details, including how to make these stores work, without undercutting

1:02the market. It signals a push for creative fixes to everyday expenses in the city.