Olivia Chow pledges $28M for youth violence prevention if re-elected
Mayor's campaign says $28 million over four years would increase existing youth safety programs by 40 per cent and expand mentorship to children as young as six.
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Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow pledged $28 million over four years for youth safety and violence prevention programs Thursday, conditional on her re-election. The announcement came at Malvew Family Resource Centre in Scarborough, where Chow was joined by mothers who have lost sons to gun violence and community organizations working with young people.
Chow's campaign says the funding would increase Toronto's existing Youth Violence Prevention Program by 40 per cent and expand violence prevention and intervention programs that currently reach more than 15,000 youth and 500 parents and caregivers annually. The proposal includes expanding mentorship, recreation and arts programs to children as young as six, and supporting initiatives like CityServeTO, which provides local work experience connecting young people with employment opportunities.
"We've proven that investing in young people works, and I'm not going to stop now," Chow said. "This election is a choice. We could keep moving forward and funding safety programs for young people, or we can go backwards."
Chow's campaign attributes a 40 per cent decline in youth violence in 2025 to city investments in youth safety programs and the Summer Safety Plan. The new commitment would add to youth violence prevention programs over her term.
How much annual funding does the Youth Violence Prevention Program currently receive before the proposed 40 per cent increase?
What specific independent data supports the reported 40 per cent decline in youth violence in 2025?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
The facts
How much is Mayor Chow pledging for youth violence prevention?
$28 million over four years, conditional on her re-election.
What age group would the expanded mentorship programs reach?
Children as young as six years old would be included in expanded mentorship, recreation, and arts programs.
How many young people do current violence prevention programs reach annually?
More than 15,000 youth and 500 parents and caregivers annually.
