Chow and Bradford clash in final Toronto mayoral debate on CP24 Olivia Chow and Brad Bradford met Thursday night in the final debate of Toronto's mayoral race, four days before the election, with new Nanos polling showing 13 per cent of voters open to changing their minds. Olivia Chow and Brad Bradford squared off Thursday night in the final debate of Toronto's mayoral race, four days before the municipal election. The 90-minute, commercial-free event, titled Toronto Decides: The Municipal Debate, aired live on CP24 beginning at 7 p.m. The debate gave voters their last chance to hear both candidates make closing arguments before casting a ballot. Viewers could stream the event through CP24.com, CTVNewsToronto.ca, the CP24 App, the CTV News App, CP24 YouTube, X, CP24's TikTok channel, and the subscription service Crave. Exclusive polling by Nanos Research, conducted for CP24 and CTV News Toronto, showed 13 per cent of voters surveyed were open to changing the candidate they planned to support based on what they heard. A further 16 per cent said they were somewhat open to changing their vote.Chow Lead Narrows Ahead of DebatePolling released by Nanos earlier in the week showed Chow's lead over Bradford had narrowed to a slim three-point margin. The findings underscored the stakes for both candidates on stage. In his closing remarks, Bradford said he represents real change and real results while Chow can only deliver more of the same. He said Mayor Chow is a great person, nice enough, but argued results under her leadership have not been good enough for the city.Bradford said change is always going to be difficult but it is not a scary thing, adding that doing nothing is scary. He said doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result is not a city living up to its potential. He told viewers that if they want to change the city on Monday, they have to change the mayor, and asked for their support.In her closing statement, Chow said she is not perfect but has worked hard to lower the cost of living for residents. Chow recounted how her mom cleaned hotel rooms so their family could make ends meet. She said she wants the same for voters, citing reduced fares and more housing that people can afford. She said the city is making progress by working together and there is so much more to do.During the debate, Bradford rejected Chow's claim that he has not made time for his job as councillor. Chow said he had not visited an apartment building on Dawes Road, where there have been many code violations. Bradford called the attacks on character unfounded and said they were below the mayor and below the office. He said he has worked with residents of that building and that charges were laid before Chow even visited Dawes Road under his leadership.Bradford Rejects Character Attack ClaimsChow made an announcement outside the building promising to crack down on bad landlords. She insisted tenants told her Bradford never met with them. She said you do not get a promotion if you cannot even get your own job done well. Chow pressed Bradford on his plan to make Toronto Water a public utility and accused him of trying to give away control to a private corporation.Bradford responded that he would resign his seat if Toronto Water was ever privatized. Bradford said the plan is a way to build infrastructure the city desperately needs and provide immediate affordability relief of a 300-dollar reduction in the water bill. He also asked Chow how she will pay for election promises without more tax increases. Chow said she has a very clear plan and that a lot of money for her promises is already booked into the 2027 budget.She said her tax increases during her first years were needed to fix the city, comparing it to fixing a leaking roof at home. She said the first two years were very difficult but the city has turned a corner. Asked about their first acts as mayor, Chow said she would immediately bring council together and work with councillors to map out what needs to be done.Bradford said his first act would be to meet with the chief of police to talk about making streets, transit and neighbourhoods safer. Chow said the biggest misconception about her is that she has too much fun and is not doing the work of a mayor. She pointed to getting 17 billion dollars from other levels of government, saying it took a lot of work. She added that she does have fun at work and really enjoys the job.Candidates Make Closing ArgumentsChow said the reason people should vote for her is that she is experienced, voters know who she is, and she loves the city. Bradford said voters should support him because the city is stuck, the status quo is not working, and changing the city requires changing the mayor. On housing, Chow said she is happy to work with neighbourhoods to reach consensus before introducing any large-scale building.She pointed to the vibrant downtown with many buildings so people can live closer to where they work, and said working together makes it possible. She underscored that she would not use strong mayor powers to push a project forward if residents have concerns. Bradford said separating the operating budget from the capital budget will free up funds to build infrastructure supporting future housing growth, citing conversations with residents in Leaside. Earlier debate rounds focused on affordability, taxes and spending.In those rounds, Bradford criticized Chow for falling short on her housing promise. Chow, a seasoned politician with a long track record, is expected to emphasize inclusive growth, affordable housing and expanded public transit. Bradford, a former councillor and community advocate, has focused on neighbourhood revitalization, infrastructure investment and pragmatic solutions to the affordability crisis. Both candidates also addressed transit, housing and public safety during the 90-minute format.After the debate, Chow and Bradford sat for follow-up interviews with CP24. CP24 and CTV News Toronto offered live updates and commentary throughout the event, capturing polling data, audience reactions and candidate responses as the night unfolded. CP24's GTA Elections 2026 coverage continues tracking developments, sharing the latest polls and dissecting campaign promises. The coverage aims to help citizens prepare for the November 7 vote.With the finish line so close, the debate stood as a decisive moment for Toronto's future leadership. Voters who previously had a clear preference remain open to reconsidering based on how the candidates articulated their visions.