Mayoral debate reshapes race as Chow touts first-term wins, rivals question record

Mayor Olivia Chow's campaign touted first-term accomplishments Tuesday on emergency response, libraries, transit and housing — one day after Toronto's first major mayoral debate. But her opponents argue those wins don't amount to a successful record.

Chow's administration has hired more 911 operators, cutting response times 89 per cent faster than when she took office. The city created the Toronto Community Crisis Service, which the campaign describes as the city's fourth emergency service. All 100 Toronto Public Library branches now open seven days a week with longer hours.

On transit, the Scarborough Busway is scheduled to open this month, funded through Chow's first budget. The city also doubled RentSafeTO officers and introduced a pass/fail system requiring apartment buildings to display inspection status. It supported 6,427 households with $1,000 rent supplements.

On housing, 15,000 units of city-led and supported housing are currently under construction. Chow promised 25,000 new rental homes on city-owned land; the campaign is counting the 15,000 units under construction as progress toward that commitment.

On homelessness, the city added hundreds of 24/7 respite spaces and increased funding for drop-in services. On revenue, the city increased the land transfer tax on homes sold for more than $3 million — a move the campaign describes as fulfilling Chow's luxury homes tax promise.

Brad Bradford, another mayoral candidate, said Toronto needs "real change and real results," pointing to congestion, affordability, safety and transit as unresolved issues.

Chris Alexander, the third major candidate, acknowledged Chow deserves credit for individual accomplishments but argued they don't reflect a successful first term. "A busway, a warm room in January, and a bylaw for tenants matter but that's not the rest of the term," Alexander said. He pointed to rising taxes, budget shortfalls, increased homelessness, lower TTC ridership and declining homebuilding as evidence of broader problems.