According to a newly released poll, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow’s rating has fallen by 16 points following the release of the city’s budget. Once at 75 percent, Ms. Chow’s rating has now dropped to 55 percent, based on a survey by Liaison Strategies for the National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada (NEPMCC).
The principal at Liaison Strategies, David Valentin said in a news release that Ms. Chow’s approval has fluctuated between 75 and 71 percent in previous months. However, now, while 55 percent still shows a majority approval, she has dropped from a +49 to +16. Her disapproval rating stands at 39 percent, and six percent are unsure.
A significant reason for the decrease in her rating was the recent budget announcement, including a 9.5 percent property tax increase to address the $1.8 billion deficit the municipal government is facing.
Ms. Chow mentioned in her budget letter that the increase in taxes will be offset with property tax relief programs for qualifying lower-income people and seniors. She stated that they would also qualify for water rebate and solid waste rebate programs.
Valentin noted that maintaining high ratings during tax discussions was challenging for politicians. Meanwhile, 47 percent of those polled approved of the new city budget, while 40 percent disapproved. However, only 29 percent said the city should raise taxes, and 35 percent said the city should stop spending money.
In addition to these issues, Liaison Strategies also conducted a poll regarding city issues. Efforts to address crime and transit were highlighted in this poll. Of the residents polled, 48 percent expressed satisfaction with Ms. Chow’s handling of crime in the city, while 44 percent said they were not happy with her response, and 8 percent said they were unsure. She indicated in her budget letter that the 2024 budget has allocated funds to hire “hundreds” more firefighters, EMS, and police.
The poll surveyed 875 Toronto residents from Feb. 5-8. It has a margin of error of +/- 3.31%, 19 times out of 20.