Chow and Bradford talk public safety in weekend campaign push

As the mayoral election in Toronto approaches, candidates Olivia Chow and Brad Bradford are focusing on public safety in their weekend campaign push. With just under two weeks left until election day, Bradford has pledged to work with the provincial government to establish a satellite police college in Etobicoke, aiming to hire 1,000 new frontline officers during his first term as mayor.

Bradford pointed out that Toronto's population has grown by 21% since 2010, with the city's infrastructure expanding but police presence remaining stagnant since 2006.

Chow, the incumbent mayor, acknowledged the decline in crime during her tenure, a claim supported by statistics from the Toronto police. She has also increased the police force and added mental health crisis workers. During a rally in Dovercourt Park, Chow was joined by Councillor Alejandra Bravo and celebrities Feist and Sarah Polley, who praised her accomplishments, including the opening of libraries seven days a week, affordable housing development, and fare caps on the TTC.

CityNews reporter caught up with the candidates as Torontonians prepare to vote for mayor, city councillors, and school board trustees on October 26.