Mayoral Candidates Clash Over Public Safety in Final Campaign Stretch

With less than two weeks remaining before the October 26 election, mayoral candidates Olivia Chow and Brad Bradford spent Saturday focusing on public safety and police staffing.

According to CityNews Toronto, Brad Bradford campaigned in Etobicoke, where he pledged to hire 1,000 new frontline officers during his first term. To achieve this, Bradford stated he would collaborate with the provincial government to establish a satellite police college in Etobicoke and secure additional seats for Toronto recruits at the Ontario Police College. Bradford argued that while Toronto's population has grown by 21% since 2010—an increase of 500,000 people—the number of police officers has remained largely stagnant over the last 16 years. Additionally, CBC Toronto reports that Bradford has promised to reduce water bills by 25% if elected.

Meanwhile, Olivia Chow held a rally in Dovercourt Park, where she asserted that crime has declined during her tenure. Speaking to CityNews Toronto, the incumbent mayor stated that her administration has already hired more than 1,000 officers and mental health crisis workers, and she intends to continue expanding the force. During the event, Chow received endorsements from filmmaker Sarah Polley and musician Feist. Polley cited Chow's first-term achievements, including the implementation of TTC fare caps, the construction of affordable housing, and the expansion of library hours to seven days a week.

Chow was joined at the Dovercourt Park rally by local councillor Alejandra Bravo.