Toronto mayoral race centers on affordability, safety and bike lanes

Toronto's 2026 municipal election is taking shape as campaigns begin to sharpen their messages ahead of the Oct. 26 vote. CBC Toronto says the race is being shaped by familiar city issues, along with recent developments such as the province's move to remove some bike lanes. The article says voters are most focused on housing affordability, homelessness and drug addiction, public safety, infrastructure, and whether bike lanes should be protected or reworked. Some residents are also aiming to block Mayor Olivia Chow from winning a second term, while others are frustrated with Premier Doug Ford's involvement in city affairs. Chow has led early polling and is expected to begin campaigning more formally after Labour Day. Her main challenger, Brad Bradford, has campaigned for months and has already outlined policies including hiring more police officers and pressing for mandatory addiction treatment. Former federal minister Chris Alexander entered the race in late July and is polling in third place.