One day out: Toronto chooses its mayor tomorrow, and the polls still disagree
Monday, Oct 26 · 1 day
News · The Canadian Chronicle
Published Sunday, October 25, 2026 · Last updated Sunday, October 25, 2026
Toronto votes for mayor tomorrow, Monday, October 26, with polls open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The newest polls, all published October 23, still tell a split story. Canada Pulse Insights for CityNews (737 adults, October 16–21, online panel, ±3.6 points) puts Olivia Chow at 51 and Brad Bradford at 46 among decided and leaning voters, with undecided voters down to about 8 percent from 20 percent in September. Pollara (1,094 residents, October 16–21, hybrid online and phone, commissioned by CUPE Local 416) puts Chow at 55 and Bradford at 44 among decided voters, with Chow favourable at 48 percent against Bradford at 36 percent. Two pollsters earlier in the week had Bradford in front: Liaison (October 18–19, n=1,000) at Bradford 49, Chow 47, and Mainstreet at Bradford 48.9, Chow 47.5. Nanos (October 15–18) had Chow 49.8, Bradford 46.6. A record 222,550 Torontonians already voted in advance, nearly double the 115,911 advance ballots of 2022. Whoever wins inherits a $19-billion city budget. With undecided voters near 8 percent, turnout decides this race.
Canada Pulse Insights for CityNews · decided and leaning voters
The final debate, condensed (CP24, Thursday, October 22): Bradford charged that only 1,500 of Chow's promised 65,000 purpose-built rentals have been built — a 115-year pace — while approvals are up 80 percent on Chow's watch. On taxes, Bradford put the increase at about 20 percent over three years against Chow's 1.5 percent claim. Mississauga votes the same day, with Crombie at 30.4 and Parrish at 27.6 in the standing numbers.