Adedokun Waliyu 
There’s just two weeks left until Torontonians select a new mayor and the frontrunner remains well ahead of her closest challenger, though her support has softened slightly, according to the latest poll.
The most recent Forum Research Poll released on Monday suggests Olivia Chow is still way out in front with 35 per cent support, down three points from the week before.
Mark Saunders is up a single percentage point from the last week, up to 14 per cent, and continues to target Chow while campaigning. The former police chief has cited himself as the only candidate who can stop the frontrunner from becoming mayor.
Columnist Anthony Furey is now in third place and up to 11 per cent. Former city councillor Ana Bailão has 10 per cent support, up from 8 per cent the week before.
“Furey and Bailao may be changing the dynamic,” said Dr. Lorne Bozinoff, president of Forum Research. “In the last two weeks, we might see a surprise upset.”
Josh Matlow, Mitzie Hunter and Brad Bradford follow close behind at nine per cent, seven per cent and five per cent respectively.
Among the people who took part in the survey, the most important issues are affordability and the cost of living. The poll was conducted on June 11 and included a random sampling of just over 1,000 Torontonians.
Two other recent polls courtesy of Mainstreet Research and Viewpoints also showed Chow as the frontrunner, but were at odds as to whether her lead was growing or shrinking.
The Viewpoints survey showed Chow at 37 per cent of support among decided voters, with her closest competitor Saunders, at 15.4 per cent. The Mainstreet Research showed Chow slipping by three points to 29 per cent and former Bailão boosted to 20 per cent.
Chow and Hunter were among the candidates casting ballots at advance polls over the weekend. Advance voting ends on Tuesday ahead of the beyelection on June 26. Details on who can cast an early ballot can be found here.
The by-election for a new mayor was triggered after John Tory officially stepped down back on Feb. 17 after announcing he had an “inappropriate relationship” with someone who used to work on his staff.
Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie has assumed his duties on an interim basis but will not be among the candidates running to replace him.
