The Top Issues in Toronto’s Mayoral Race

Police cars surround a TTC streetcar on Spadina Ave. after a stabbing incident, in Toronto on Jan. 24, 2023. The Canadian Press/Arlyn McAdorey

Toronto’s mayoral byelection is about a month away and the candidates on the campaign trail are discussing a range of issues, with public safety and affordable housing among the top priorities.

Other hot-button issues in Canada’s biggest city include homelessness, the redevelopment of Ontario Place, gridlock, and bike lanes.

The city called for a byelection, to take place June 26, after John Tory stepped down as mayor earlier this year following revelations he had an affair with a former staff member. Dozens of candidates have stepped in hoping to fill his place.

Transit, Public Safety

Many candidates are discussing Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) safety, following a surge of violence on the TTC including the fatal stabbing of 16-year-old Gabriel Magalhaes in March, which police say was unprovoked.

A TTC report released in February showed 1,068 violent incidents in 2022, up 46 percent from the previous year.

Candidate comments on the TTC have also focused on funding, which relates to safety as well as mobility for Torontonians.

“The TTC doesn’t get any money from the federal or provincial government. It’s the only city in North America with a subway that doesn’t get any support from upper-level government,” Nelson Wiseman, political science professor at the University of Toronto, told The Epoch Times.

So transit funding in Toronto is more of a challenge and a pressing issue than in many other cities, he said.

Housing

Affordable housing is a hot topic in a city where the average home price is over $1 million and average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is above $2,500.

“The challenges are a lot of people are moving into the city, there’s a lot of immigration,” Wiseman said.

Proposed candidate solutions include tax breaks and greater protections for renters.

A controversial modular home project meant to house the homeless has drawn attention from multiple candidates. Some of them decried being barred by city councillors from a community meeting on April 24 regarding the project.

The candidates said they had been invited by community members opposed to the project, which is situated near a seniors’ home on Cummer Avenue in North York. Critics say it will be built on parkland valued by the seniors.

Drugs, Ontario Place, Other Issues

Some candidates have taken positions on Toronto’s plan to decriminalize drugs for personal use. Toronto Public Health has asked Health Canada to provide an exemption to drug laws for the city.

Candidates have commented on plans to redevelop Ontario Place, which is largely a provincial project though part of the land is city-owned. Plans include a 95-year lease with Therme to build a spa and waterpark, an outdoor concert venue to be built by Live Nation, and moving the popular Ontario Science Centre to the site.

Regarding bike lanes, some candidates are saying major streets are too congested and more bike lanes would add to the gridlock.