Mayoral candidate ‘happy to face consequences’ in risky campaign video

Article content

Toby Heaps, who declared himself the “human candidate” in a shared ticket with his rescue dog, Molly, went to drastic measures for his Toronto mayoral race campaign video.

With under two weeks left until Torontonians decide who will be their next mayor, Heaps – sans Molly – strapped on his trusty rollerblades and jumped on the Gardiner Expressway, where he shared what he plans to do if elected the city’s new leader.

“This shouldn’t be safe, but the traffic’s stuck, like so many things in this city,” Heaps says as he rolls along beside the bumper-to-bumper traffic in the westbound Gardiner lanes as vehicles inch along with him.

He mentions the city’s lack of affordable housing, and mental health issues and climate anxiety.

“I am the #underdog candidate with a track record for making big things happen,” read his tweet, accompanying the video.

“I have a fair and fully funded plan for real change on affordable housing, climate, and infrastructure,” he explained, before touting his “different approach.”

He added: “Let’s get our city moving.”

Many on Twitter were shocked by the lengths Heaps went to for his video – but not in a good way.

“This is insane,” tweeted one user, while another countered, “This is Toronto.”

One person griped, “Another candidate that thinks they’re above the law!”

Another suggested, “You should be charged.”

In a follow-up tweet, Heaps wrote, “I did this to make a point and I am happy to face the consequences (which is a minor fine), but the real crime is the city’s mismanagement of critical infrastructure (that has left the Gardiner crumbling) and the failure to provide affordable housing for people to live in our city rather than be forced to make long commutes.”

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

He further explained that he was “on the merge nose, which is not in the path of traffic” and he had “two spotters watching out for me and traffic.”

On Heaps’ campaign website, which features the video, he explained that he wants to “build a kinder Toronto where everyone can thrive.”

Heaps, who has worked with large corporations to make their operations more sustainable, called Toronto a “vibrant city where we have well-being, security and opportunities to take care of ourselves and those we love.”

As for Molly, if Heaps is elected, he plans to make her the city’s first honorary dog mayor because “I have always fought for the underdog and I believe we make more compassionate decisions with animals in the room.”