CITY ISSUES: The latest from some of Toronto’s top mayoral candidates

Article content

Here’s what key candidates running in Toronto’s mayoral byelection were up to on June 5.

— Olivia Chow

Chow was endorsed by Spadina-Fort York Councillor Ausma Malik, and together they reaffirmed their commitment to protecting renters and building more affordable housing. Chow’s plan includes building 25,000 rent-controlled homes, including thousands of below-market and rent-geared-to-income units, on city-owned land with the city acting as developer.

— Ana Bailao

Bailao helped raise the Italian flag at City Hall for Italian Heritage Month, and got the endorsement of former MPP Alvin Curling. She also repeated her promise to protect the Island Airport, fix the TTC so it is safe and convenient, and increase tourism to Toronto through major international events.

Recommended video

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

Try refreshing your browser, or
tap here to see other videos from our team.

Play Video

— Mark Saunders

Saunders told CBC Radio’s Metro Morning that the city needs to spend more on the TTC, but wouldn’t say how much. The former police chief said he wants to “look through those books” once elected before saying more. Saunders has vowed to keep property taxes at or below the rate of inflation.

— Mitzie Hunter

Hunter doubled down on her plan to build 108 new developments — between 10 storeys and 20 storeys — on city-owned land. She wants to create 22,700 units — including about 16,500 rental apartments — to provide shelter for 53,650 people. She took issue with other contenders in the race, insisting Saunders, Bailao and candidate Brad Bradford are offering a developer-first approach that has failed. She argued  candidate Josh Matlow’s plan won’t work because it is dependent on taking down the Gardiner and took  Chow’s housing proposals to task, saying it would have to qualify for a federal program for which it is ineligible.

— Anthony Furey

A new poll put Furey at 10% support — the first time he hit double digits. While he was ahead of contenders such as Bailao and Hunter, he remained far behind Chow, who widened her lead. On Monday, Furey visited with supporter Vincenzo Fazzari, owner of Atelier Munro menswear.

–Josh Matlow

Noting Monday was World Environment Day, Matlow tweeted that as mayor, he will ensure Toronto is at the forefront in the battle against climate change.

— Brad Bradford

Bradford took the day off from the campaign trail as his wife, Kathryn, was about to give birth to their second child at Michael Garron Hospital.