Olivia Chow has officially announced her candidacy for a second term as mayor of Toronto, but critics argue that the city cannot afford more of the same policies. In her announcement, Chow claimed that her administration has made the city more affordable and safer. However, data suggests otherwise.
Property Taxes Soar Under Chow
Since taking office, Chow has overseen significant property tax increases. After inheriting a 7% hike from John Tory, she implemented increases of 9.5%, 6.9%, and a modest 2.2% in an election year. Overall, property taxes have risen 20% during her tenure and 34% over the past five years. Additionally, parking fees and fines have increased, water and solid waste rates are up 25%, and the municipal land transfer tax has been raised.
Campaigning on the Taxpayer's Dime
Councillor Brad Bradford has accused Chow of using public funds to promote her campaign. Chow has funneled hundreds of thousands of dollars into advertising campaigns that tout her budget, rather than seeking public input. Bradford stated, "The mayor has made her peace with less. I have not."
Crime and Safety Concerns
Under Chow's leadership, Toronto has seen normalized shootings and open drug use, particularly in the downtown core. While some crimes have decreased from peaks in 2023 and 2024, they remain higher than levels seen five to ten years ago. Public transit ridership dropped last year, indicating that residents do not feel safe on streets or subways.
Bradford's Alternative Vision
Bradford outlined three key issues for the election: crime, congestion, and cost. He emphasized the need for Torontonians to feel safe, regain time lost to traffic, and afford to live, raise families, and grow old in the city. Chow, meanwhile, has pledged not to campaign until the fall, a claim that critics find dubious given her recent activities.
As the election approaches, Toronto residents must decide whether they are willing to accept a city in decline or seek a change in leadership.
