Penalosa bows out of mayoral race, throws support behind Chow

The man who finished a distant second to John Tory in last year’s mayoral election says he won’t be vying for the job again when Torontonians head to the polls to replace Tory in the upcoming byelection.

In a surprise announcement Wednesday, urban planner Gil Penalosa said he won’t be running for mayor, instead throwing his support behind candidate Olivia Chow.

Penalosa garnered just under 18 per cent of the vote in October’s election, running on a platform to create more urban spaces and to make Toronto a more walkable and transit-friendly city.

He had announced his intentions to run for mayor again after Tory resigned in the midst of a scandal over an affair, but he never actually registered.

On Wednesday, he made it clear on Wednesday that he would not move forward in the increasingly-crowded race.

“We need to act now to create a magnificent city for future generations to live in and enjoy,” he said on Wednesday, flanked by NDP MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam, who is also supporting Chow.

“We can’t rely on the same people who have served in city hall for the last ten years. Olivia has the experience, values and the sense of urgency to make our city more inclusive and liveable for everyone.”

“Mayors can make a big difference in a city. To me, the choice could not be more clear. Olivia is the right person to bring positive, progressive change to our city.”

Wong-Tam, who served as a Toronto city councillor for 12 years, expressed admiration for Chow, calling Chow a “giant presence.”

“She’s helped create community services for working class kids like me to grow up strong and be able to give back to the city I love,” said Wong-Tam.

“Olivia’s high-level energy and ability to solve complex problems are legendary to the communities she has served. She will make an exceptional mayor for our exceptional Toronto. Just watch her.”

Chow wasn’t present at the Penalosa/Wong-Tam announcement, but thanked them in a statement.

“I’m very grateful for the support of these two leaders who have decades of experience serving their communities, our city and beyond.

“I will continue to work with Gil to make sure his ideas to improve our civic life are heard and implemented at city hall,” she wrote.

“Kristyn has dedicated herself to public life for over a decade, and I have learned so much from their work at city hall.”

Chow officially launched her campaign on Monday with the former MP saying she aims to build an affordable and safe city “where everyone belongs.”

“We urgently need to build a city that cares. It is still a great city, but it has to be a great city for everyone.”

In addition to a campaign that will focus on affordability, Chow pledged to work to improve social conditions for vulnerable residents.

With files from Michael Ranger, John Marchesan and Mike Visser