Chow sees support slip ahead of budget vote this week: poll

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow's support appears to be slipping ahead of a final budget vote this week, according to a recent poll.

The latest poll by Liaison Strategies shows that Chow's approval rating has fallen to 55 percent from 75 percent to 71 percent last June. Chow's stance on crime appears to be the cause of his decline, as only 48 percent of respondents approve. They approve him of handling crime in the city.

Support for defunding the Toronto Police Service to fund social services has dropped from 39 per cent to 31 per cent, with 44 per cent now opposed, experts say.

But the mayor scores highly on a number of issues, including the municipality's relationship with the federal and provincial governments and affordable housing.

The City Council is scheduled to meet Wednesday to finalize Chow's 2024 budget plan, which includes a 9.5 percent property tax increase.

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