The two main contenders to be Toronto’s next mayor went head-to-head Wednesday in an often acrimonious debate that repeatedly came back to trust and leadership as both candidates claimed to be Scarborough’s biggest champion.
On the question of affordability, Bradford said Chow’s approach as been to typically increase taxes. “That’s how we got a 20 per cent tax hike (through three years) after promising people a modest tax hike.”
“We are in an election, you’re making these types of promises – I’m not sure you’re going to make a commitment on what you’re tax rate is going to be – but you told everyone it was going to be modest last time and it was the most expensive one ever,” he said.
On the pledge of the school breakfast program put forth by Chow, Bradford called it a great idea but, “We should be reasonable and manage expectations on those types of things (because) there is no plan to pay for it.”
“It’s called leadership,” Chow shot back in explaining how she got the mid-morning snacks program in place, and what it will take to get other programs implemented during her next mandate.
“You accuse me of lowering expectations, that is exactly what you just did. You said let us not expect so much. …If I didn’t put the money in to start the Scarborough East LRT, how would we ever get the money from the federal or provincial governments.”
The question of where the city is going came up repeatedly. Chow says Toronto has turned a corner while Bradford says the city is stuck, especially when it comes to finances.
“What I’ve heard over the past number of weeks here, is a mayor who has run out of ideas,” Bradford said while accusing Chow of using “scare tactics.”
“There is nothing scary about doing a line-by-line review,” he added. “The last time this was done was 2011, 15 years ago.”
Chow responded by saying the city’s budget committee went line-by-line and found $700 million in savings while pointing to KPMG’s previous line-by-line review of the city proposing cuts to services.
“KPMG came in and said let’s close that library, let’s close the zoo,” Chow said, as she attempted to explain Bradford’s role as a member of the budget committee. However, neither candidate could be heard as they were talking over each other.
“Madam Mayor, it’s not the budget committee’s budget it’s yours. It’s your budget, Mayor Chow, it’s your budget.”
For Scarborough, a part of the city that is underserved by transit, promises to help come easy; getting things done is the issue. Both candidates say they can fix what ails Scarborough.
“Transit ridership, under your leadership, has declined year over year over year. Despite record investment, transit ridership is down nearly 20 per cent over 2019 levels,” said Bradford. “It’s less reliable, it’s less safe and until you focus on those priorities, we’re going to continue to have a spiral with respect to transit ridership.”
Chow shot back, saying she had to “fix the mess” left by Bradford and the previous administration, accused him of raising TTC fares twice, cutting services which led to longer wait times. Bradford attempted to interrupt her several times, saying “that’s not true.”
“What happened was a global pandemic where we chose to keep running the transit service.”
In another terse exchange between the two, Bradford questioned Chow’s decision not to sit on the Police Services Board.
“Some things when it comes to leadership are just so important, you don’t delegate those responsibilities away,” he said.
Chow did not directly answer the question, saying instead that it’s important to come together in meetings with police officers and community groups to address safety concerns.
“She doesn’t want to answer the question, she’s never going to answer the question, she doesn’t take your public safety seriously,” Bradford said, talking over Chow as she was attempting to explain that Bradford had accepted the endorsement from a Conservative MP who called for more handguns on the street.
“You can’t answer it because it’s not written in your notes but I just want you to look inside your heart and tell the people of Toronto why you don’t value their public safety enough to sit on the police board,” he said.
Harneet Singh, managing principal of EOK Consultants, called the debate dynamic “super interesting,” adding they both had some really good moments.
“We are back to the race they both wanted. We have two candidates who want to go head-to-head with each other,” he explained. “Bradford looked way more comfortable debating Olivia Chow, he doesn’t want to get attacked by Chris Alexander. It also gives Olivia Chow a very good opportunity to attack Bradford on his record. So I think the dynamic has completely changed.”
Singh added that both had very good moments during the debate, pointing out that Chow looked very comfortable when she wasn’t using her prepared notes and talking about leadership.
“I would say she succeeded when it came to the lunches program, when it came to transit acheievements and when it came to leadership, those were the best hits she got. But when it comes to line-by-line review and when it comes to affordability, you obviously see that Bradford is really well prepared on those topics because that’s what his voters want.”
With advance voting now underway this is a pivotal week in Toronto’s mayoral race. Recent polling has shown a tightening of the race, and that was before Chris Alexander pulled out. There are still several more debates to come so expect the political attacks to ramp up.
Alan Carter contributed to this report
Olivia Chow and Brad Bradford are seen during a mayoral debate in Scarborough on October 7, 2026. CITYNEWS
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