Brad Bradford is once again vying to become Toronto's mayor, pitching himself as the planner-turned-politician who wants City Hall to tackle congestion, crime and the cost of living. The city councillor from the east end first sought the mayor's chair in the June 2023 byelection triggered by John Tory's resignation, finishing eighth with just under 10,000 votes. He emerged determined to try again, and early signs are good: as of mid-May polls show Mayor Olivia Chow in the lead, but Bradford in second place.
Background and Platform
Born in Ancaster, Ont., in 1986, Bradford was first elected city councillor for Ward 19, Beaches–East York in 2018. As chair of council's planning and housing committee, he has championed measures to speed up approvals, promote office-to-residential conversions, expand modular housing, and make it easier and cheaper to build rental homes and multiplexes. If elected on Oct. 26, he will be the first professional urban planner and Toronto's first Millennial mayor.
Bradford's campaign targets Mayor Chow on three key issues: crime, congestion, and cost of living. He argues that leadership and tone start at the top, emphasizing that the rule of law must apply equally. He criticizes Chow for not sitting on the police board, a departure from previous mayors like Mel Lastman and John Tory, who used that position to provide direction.
Personal Motivation
In an interview with the National Post, Bradford explained that the arrival of his second daughter changed his perspective. He sees the city through the eyes of a young father, concerned about parks that have become messy, commutes that make Toronto the most congested city in North America, and rising taxes with declining services. "We have all of the ingredients to make this one of the best cities in the world — the best city to raise a family, to build a business and unlock our potential. But right now we're falling down on those basic things," he said.
Key Issues
- Crime: Bradford vows to sit on the police board and ensure consequences for breaking rules are applied equally.
- Congestion: He aims to reduce traffic and improve transit efficiency.
- Cost of Living: He plans to lower taxes and increase housing affordability through faster approvals and more rental construction.
The election is set for Oct. 26, and Bradford's campaign is gaining momentum as he positions himself as a centrist alternative to Chow.
