Toronto Mayor John Tory rang in the new decade with his annual New Year’s message on Wednesday morning, during which he committed to supporting growth in the city and celebrated Toronto’s diversity.

“We are a city that accepts people for who they are — all backgrounds and cultures, all faiths, and all sexual orientations,” he said. “The message is clear: everyone is welcome in Toronto.”

The mayor spoke of his commitment to improve transit, build affordable housing and “push ahead with building up our city.”

This comes after Tory outlined a plan to increase property taxes eight per cent over the next six years to pay for transit and housing projects as well as backlogged repairs for the TTC and Toronto Community Housing. The proposed tax increases were overwhelmingly approved by city council last month.

“This is going to be Toronto’s decade. The world has taken notice of our great city. So, that means we have a responsibility to deliver,” said Tory.

The last two years also saw tense relations between the city and the Ford government at times. Tory committed to continue working with the provincial and federal governments to ensure they are investing in the city.

“The other governments are partners in our success — they benefit from that success and they are crucial in making sure it continues,” Tory said.

TY Tom Yun is a breaking news reporter, working out of the Star’s radio room in Toronto. Follow him on Twitter: @thetomyun

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