Chow and Bradford trade barbs on housing, affordability and transit in Toronto mayoral debate

Toronto mayoral candidates Olivia Chow and Brad Bradford clashed over housing, affordability and transit during Tuesday night's debate, hosted by the United Way at Toronto Metropolitan University. The candidates addressed key issues affecting Torontonians, including affordable housing, affordability, public safety, transportation and newcomer services.

Bradford pointed to Chow's housing plan, criticizing her for claiming that 65,000 purpose-built rental homes would be built by 2030. He argued that only 1,500 homes had been constructed, representing just 2% of the target. Bradford then stated that if the current pace continues, it would take another 115 years to meet the goal.

In response, Chow accused Bradford of voting to double development charges, which she claimed led to higher costs for building homes. Bradford retorted that Chow had been head of the committee during her tenure, and that her policies had driven up housing costs.

When discussing affordability, Chow challenged Bradford's plan, claiming it would result in cuts to library, transit services and affordable housing to fund his election promises. She questioned Bradford's trustworthiness, stating, "How can people trust you?" Bradford countered by advocating for a "modernized" approach, suggesting an independent line-by-line review of the city's budget.

He argued that such a review had not been conducted in 15 years and suggested that the city should conduct similar reviews on a regular basis, much like individuals reviewing their personal budgets. Bradford promised to fund the city's capital projects without making cuts to essential services.