Brad Bradford promises a one-year Toronto property tax freeze

Toronto mayoral candidate Brad Bradford says he would freeze property taxes for one year if elected this October. He made the pledge during a debate and said the pause would give him time to carry out a linebyline review of city spending. The proposal echoes past municipal debates in Toronto, where property taxes have often been a major campaign issue because they are the city’s main source of revenue. Bradford said households already review their own budgets carefully and argued city hall should do the same. Mayor Olivia Chow, seeking reelection, said she wants to keep property taxes near the rate of inflation and warned that a freeze could put pressure on city services. Another candidate, Chris Alexander, has also backed a tax freeze. Election day is Oct. 26.