UMVA has learned that Toronto’s claim to be a “world‑class city” is crumbling under a wave of crime and rising taxes that leave residents feeling unsafe in their own homes.
At a press conference outside City Hall, a heated voice rang out as Jeffrey Kroeker, chairman of a local advocacy group, slammed the city’s leadership for letting crime spiral while tax burdens climbed by a quarter over the last few years.
“Why are we paying more and getting less?” Kroeker demanded, his words echoing in the crisp morning air. The question was not rhetorical; it was a call to action for a city that should protect its people.
Stefanos Michelis, a construction worker and father, stepped forward to share a personal nightmare. In just six months of 2024, two of his trucks vanished from the driveway, despite secure locks and properly stored keys.
Then, in December 2025 and again this February, a staggering $22,000 worth of tools was stolen from his home. Michelis declared that criminals "have no fear of being caught," and that most residents have abandoned the hope of reporting thefts, fearing the next hit could be a home invasion.
He spoke of a shattered sense of security, warning that his young family lives in constant fear and that the city’s priorities have slid to the background while taxpayers bear the brunt.
The press conference, held in front of the iconic City Hall, was punctuated by the tragic memory of a fallen police officer, reminding everyone that safety is a living, breathing issue that demands immediate attention.
As the World Cup buzzed around the city, with tourists flocking to Nathan Phillips Square, Kroeker warned that the image Toronto projects to the world is far from the reality many residents face each day.
He urged candidates for the upcoming municipal election to step up, to demand a city that truly looks after its people, and to stop letting leadership assure them that things are improving when they are not.
In a bold move, the group launched a new campaign that opens with a stark question: “When was the last time anything in the city worked?” The short video, shown on popular social platforms, showcases harrowing footage of break‑ins and thefts caught on security cameras.
One clip, captured last week, shows a thief forcing entry into a local bakery, stripping a metal cash box, and disappearing into the night. The bakery has already been targeted three times this year.
Through this campaign and its powerful storytelling, UMVA aims to ignite a conversation about safety, affordability, and competent governance—issues that loom large as the election approaches.
