October 2, 2026

Renters take centre stage at sold-out Toronto mayoral debate

Mayoral candidates Chris Alexander, Brad Bradford and Olivia Chow answered questions from tenant and residents’ associations on housing, affordability, community engagement and thrivability

Elizabeth Vonsymborski, wearing green, speaks at the lectern beside the Ontario Renters Coalition banner, with all three mayoral candidates seated on stage.
Ontario Renters Coalition Co-Chair Elizabeth Vonsymborski delivers remarks with the three mayoral candidates on stage.

TORONTO — A sold-out crowd filled Trinity-St. Paul’s United Church on Thursday night as Toronto’s tenant, renter and residents’ associations hosted the Toronto Mayoral Debate 2026.

Presented by the Federation of South Toronto Residents’ Association, the Ontario Renters Coalition and the Federation of North Toronto Residents’ Association, the debate brought the candidates before an audience of renters and residents for an evening built around four themes: housing, affordability, community engagement and thrivability.

Audience members fill the main floor and balcony of Trinity-St. Paul’s United Church for the Toronto Mayoral Debate.
Attendees fill the main floor and balcony of Trinity-St. Paul’s United Church.

Questions were submitted in advance by tenant associations and residents’ associations across the city, and audience members added their own questions in the second half. Tenant questions pressed the candidates on issues affecting renters: tackling deferred maintenance and above-guideline rent increases, creating a public landlord and building report card, expanding the city’s RentSafeTO apartment inspection program to smaller rental buildings, and protecting existing affordable rental homes from redevelopment pressure.

“Last night belonged to renters,” said Alex Venuto, Co-Chair of the Ontario Renters Coalition. “The questions came straight from tenant associations across the city, and every candidate had to say what they would do about the homes people already live in.”

Toronto mayoral candidates seated behind name cards reading Olivia Chow, Brad Bradford and Chris Alexander, with event organizers beside the lectern.
Mayoral candidates Olivia Chow, Brad Bradford and Chris Alexander at the October 1 debate, alongside the three main organizers.

Elizabeth Vonsymborski, Co-Chair of the Ontario Renters Coalition, said renters need a meaningful seat in decisions about their homes. “We’re bringing solutions, and we’re ready to be heard.”

The debate was moderated by Nicole Swerhun of Third-Party Public. With the municipal election set for October 26, organizers said the goal was to put renters’ priorities directly to the people seeking to lead the city.

About the Ontario Renters Coalition

The Ontario Renters Coalition is a not-for-profit organization led by tenants, working for stronger protections and fairer housing policy for renters across Ontario.

Media contact

Elizabeth Vonsymborski, Co-Chair, Ontario Renters Coalition
elizabeth@ontariorenterscoalition.ca

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