Mayor Olivia Chow removes Councillor Brad Bradford as vice-chair of housing committee

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow is yanking away the olive branch she gave to one of her opponents when she was first elected in June 2023.

On Monday, Chow formally rescinded Councillor Brad Bradford’s appointment as vice-chair to the City’s Planning and Housing Committee. He will be replaced by longtime council member Frances Nunziata, who represents York South-Weston.

Bradford was selected for the position last year after Chow defeated him in a pivotal byelection. His appointment was considered to be a peace offering, but Bradford has remained one of the mayor’s fiercest critics.

In a statement issued on Monday afternoon, Bradford said he was disappointed to learn of the mayor’s decision to remove him from the position and the housing-related boards of CreateTO and the Toronto Parking Authority. 

“Despite different views on many issues, I thought the Mayor and I were aligned on the need to get more homes built in Toronto and deliver supply-related solutions. Clearly, her priorities lie elsewhere,” Bradford wrote. “Unfortunately, the Mayor has chosen politics over progress on the housing file.”

Bradford is the councillor for Beaches-East York and previously worked as an urban planner for the City of Toronto. He came in eighth-place in the 2023 mayoral byelection with only 9,254 votes.

“I want Toronto to succeed,” Bradford noted in his statement. “That is why I cannot agree with the direction the administration is going on the housing file.”

Some housing advocates say they are sad to see Bradford removed from the position of vice-chair, although he will remain on the committee.

“He was a strong housing advocate. He got a lot of issues pushed through Council and he was committed to making sure that Toronto is building enough homes to solve a housing crisis,” said Zakerie Farah, an organizer with the group More Neighbours Toronto.

“He really gave housing advocates and home builders an ear to listen to what the needs are and to listen to what solutions are to get more housing built in Toronto and we’re very grateful for him,” Farah added. “We hope that he continues to be a meaningful voice in the housing conversation.”

In statement shared with CityNews on Monday evening, Mayor Olivia Chow thanked all councillors for the work they do.

“The halfway point in any administration is a great chance to take stock, and focus on priorities, including building more homes, feeding more kids and getting Toronto moving,” Chow said. “Councillor Bradford is an important voice in housing at the City and will continue his work on the Planning and Housing Committee.”

“The housing committee is focused on urgently building affordable housing, ensuring the success of the public builder model, protecting renters, and unlocking an increased supply of market and nonprofit housing,” she added. “Councillor Nunziata has shown a strong commitment to renters and will add a valuable perspective to the committee as vice chair.”