Affordability and Housing Top Concerns for Toronto Voters

As the municipal election approaches in Toronto, the city's leading mayoral candidates are facing the challenge of addressing voters' top concerns: affordability and housing. According to a recent poll, affordability, housing, public safety, and transit are the primary issues that Torontonians want to see addressed.

Olivia Chow, the incumbent mayor, has proposed measures to help lower grocery prices, provide free lunches in schools, and build more affordable housing units. Meanwhile, Brad Bradford, a city councillor, has pledged to freeze property tax rates for the first year and scrap the land transfer tax for homes under $1.1 million.

Ilham Saydna, a 30-year resident of Toronto, emphasizes the importance of food security and affordable housing. She believes that addressing poverty and people's needs will reduce crime. On the other hand, Terry Chamberlain, a resident of Don Mills, advocates for more housing development that fits into the area's needs.

The issue of homelessness is also a significant concern. Toronto's 10-year plan to open more shelters has received mixed reactions, with some community members raising safety concerns. Peter Formica, a resident of senior co-operative housing, suggests selling underused high-value properties to address the affordable housing issue for seniors.