Councillor Josh Matlow confirms he is running for Toronto mayor

A veteran progressive city councillor and critic of former mayor John Tory has entered Toronto’s mayoral race.

Coun. Josh Matlow (Ward 12) confirmed he will run in the June byelection in a statement released on Tuesday morning. It comes after much speculation, with Matlow himself previously saying he was “strongly considering” a run after Tory announced his resignation in the wake of a sex scandal earlier this year.

“Toronto is a diverse, vibrant, and beautiful city, filled with inspirational people I have been honoured to work with,” says Matlow in a statement. “I know and believe in the promise Toronto holds for so many. But for far too long, our political leadership at City Hall has held this city back from reaching its full potential.”

The 47-year-old cites a decline in public services and a lack of affordable housing options as the biggest issues plaguing the city. He says past leadership has helped deteriorate services by keeping taxes “artificially low.”

“I want to see our city become safer. I want to reverse the cuts on the TTC. And I know so many Torontonians find this city unaffordable,” said Matlow, speaking to Breakfast Television on Tuesday morning.

“We can’t just keep relying on Doug Ford to bail us out, or hope that somebody will come to our rescue. We need to take care of our own house, and we need to invest in those priorities.”

He says his first act if elected mayor would be to launch the City Works Fund — a property tax that aims to improve community services. He says it will cost the average homeowner $67 a year.

Matlow on the City Works Fund:

“The City Works Fund will ensure that buses and streetcars run on time. Libraries are open when your family needs them. Warm places are available for unhoused people to go when it’s cold outside. Streets and sidewalks are cleared so parents with strollers or people with mobility issues can get around safely. Roads aren’t cracked and covered in potholes. Parks and recreation programs are accessible and available.”

Matlow was first elected to council in 2010 and has been a strong progressive voice at city hall for more than a decade.

Former Toronto police chief Mark Saunders confirmed Monday he would also join the race become the city’s next mayor, citing a desire to make public transit safe for riders and expand affordable housing.

Former Toronto Sun columnist Anthony Furey said Tuesday morning he will also run in the byelection. Others who have officially declared their candidacy include former councillors Ana Bailao, Rob Davis, and Giorgio Mammolitti, and progressive urbanist Gil Penalosa.

Toronto’s mayoral byelection is officially set for June 26.