A recent Leger poll reveals that Torontonians are divided on Mayor Olivia Chow's performance, with a notable increase in those who strongly disapprove of her leadership. The survey indicates that 43% of residents approve of Chow's management of the city, while an equal 43% disapprove. This marks a decline from June, when 48% expressed approval. The percentage of respondents who strongly disapprove has risen to 27%, a 10-point increase since the last poll, while only 9% strongly approve.

Jennifer McLeod Macey, Leger’s senior vice-president of public affairs, commented on the findings, stating, "These are unprecedented times and affordability is a huge issue across the board in this country and province, housing in particular in Toronto. When we look at affordability, any mayor is going to have a honeymoon phase, and that honeymoon phase on affordability is going to be short. People want to see change they can feel, not just hear. I think perhaps not enough has happened since June."

Chow, who was elected in 2023 after the resignation of former mayor John Tory, campaigned on promises to create a "more caring, affordable and safe" city. She has focused on issues such as fighting renovictions, increasing support for renters, and expanding affordable housing. Chow has also opposed the provincial government's plans to limit bike lanes and ban speed cameras, emphasizing the importance of safety measures for children.

This week, Chow faced criticism for remarks made at a fundraising gala, where she referred to the situation in Gaza as a "genocide" and stated, "A common bond to shared humanity is tested and I will speak out when children anywhere are feeling the pain and violence and hunger." Her comments drew backlash from the Tafsik Organization, a Canadian Jewish civil rights group, which labeled her statements as "disgraceful, reckless and dangerously irresponsible."

The Leger poll also highlighted a generational divide in opinions about Chow's performance. Among respondents aged 18 to 34, 45% expressed some level of approval, while only 28% of those aged 55 and older felt the same. Conversely, 59% of older respondents disapproved of her performance. McLeod Macey noted, "Younger Torontonians like the ideas. Older Torontonians want to see the delivery. It’s a generational divide in terms of patience."

The survey, conducted between October 10 and 20, included responses from 1,052 Ontario residents aged 18 and older, with a focus on the Greater Toronto Area. While the poll does not provide a margin of error due to its non-probability sample, a probability sample of this size would typically have a margin of error of plus or minus three percentage points, 19 times out of 20. Toronto's next mayoral election is scheduled for October 26, 2026.