Toronto mayoral candidates clash over taxes and budget

Toronto mayoral candidates are clashing over fiscal management and affordability ahead of the October 26 election. During a debate hosted by the Toronto Board of Trade, challenger Brad Bradford criticized incumbent Mayor Olivia Chow for mismanagement of city finances and rising property taxes, which have increased by over 18 percent in the last three years. Bradford pledged to freeze property taxes during his first year in office and conduct a line-by-line budget review.

Mayor Chow defended her record, stating she has worked to clean up a budget mess left by previous council members. Her campaign noted that recent provincial agreements have saved the city nearly $2 billion, funds that can be directed toward housing, transport, and parks. Chow has indicated she intends to keep future tax increases aligned with inflation.

Third-place candidate Chris Alexander criticized Bradford, arguing that the challenger cannot fund his promises of increased police presence and transit improvements through tax cuts alone. He also noted Bradford’s previous role on the City Council when certain expenditures were approved. Recent polling by Liaison shows Chow leading with 47 percent of decided voters, while Bradford follows at 40 percent, as affordability emerges as the primary concern for residents.