Such use would only aggravate the current inadequate situation. It would simply result in a short-term deferral of tax increases. Even if the City did, only funds from certain reserves could be used, and then only for one-time capital expenditures. Obligatory Reserve Funds contain funds which have to be provided on the basis of legislation or contractual obligations. These funds can only be used for the purpose indicated.
Council creates special accounts for a specific purposes.
As the chart above indicates, on a per capita basis the City of Toronto's reserves are below the Ontario average and well below its GTA neighbours.