Downsview Advocate endorses Olivia Chow for re-election as Toronto mayor
The Downsview community publication endorsed incumbent Mayor Olivia Chow on election day, citing open libraries, universal school food, and transit affordability.
Reported. A news outlet found this. voche.me names the outlet and links its report. Read the original report on downsviewadvocate.ca.
The Downsview Advocate endorsed incumbent Mayor Olivia Chow for re-election on Monday, the same day Toronto voters head to the polls. The Downsview Advocate is a community news publication covering the Downsview neighbourhood in Toronto's North York district.
In a piece published on election morning, the publication said it was endorsing Chow because the city needs leadership that "remains responsive and accountable to the communities they serve," according to its editorial.
The Advocate said Chow's key initiatives include opening Toronto Public Libraries seven days a week, introducing universal school food programs, and keeping transit fares affordable. The publication also cited her work on renter protections and affordable housing construction. Those are the Downsview Advocate's stated reasons; this site has not independently audited each claim.
The Advocate also noted Chow's work on the 2026 city budget, the Finch West LRT and an air conditioner program for low-income tenants in multi-unit buildings that it had covered previously.
"At Downsview Advocate, we believe our city needs a mayor who values education, prioritizes affordability, protects essential public services, and remains responsive and accountable to the communities they serve," the publication wrote. "Your voice matters and so does your vote!"
The endorsement adds to a list Chow gathered during the campaign. Liberal MP Doly Begum endorsed her earlier in October. Her main opponent, Brad Bradford, received endorsements from former deputy mayor Jennifer McKelvie and from A Better City Toronto.
Chow, who first won the mayor's seat in a 2023 by-election after John Tory resigned, faces her first full re-election race. You can read her profile at /on/toronto-2026/candidates/olivia-chow. Bradford's profile is at /on/toronto-2026/candidates/brad-bradford.
Toronto polling stations are open from 10 AM to 8 PM today, Monday 26 October 2026. Find your polling station at toronto.ca/vote or by calling 311. All mayoral candidates are listed at /on/toronto-2026/candidates#mayor.
Questions this story answers
Which publication endorsed Olivia Chow on election day?
The Downsview Advocate, a community news publication covering Toronto's Downsview neighbourhood in North York, endorsed Olivia Chow for re-election as mayor of Toronto on 26 October 2026, which is voting day. The publication said it chose to endorse Chow based on her record on housing, transit, libraries, and community programs. These are the publication's own stated reasons.
What reasons did the Downsview Advocate give for endorsing Chow?
The Downsview Advocate said Chow's key initiatives include opening Toronto Public Libraries seven days a week, introducing universal school food programs, and keeping transit fares affordable. The publication also cited her work on renter protections and affordable housing construction. It wrote: 'At Downsview Advocate, we believe our city needs a mayor who values education, prioritizes affordability, protects essential public services, and remains responsive and accountable to the communities they serve.' Those are the publication's own words.
What time do Toronto polls close today?
Toronto polling stations are open from 10 AM to 8 PM on Monday 26 October 2026. You can find your voting location using the City of Toronto's MyVote tool. Bring accepted identification, or arrange to have someone who knows you vouch for your current address if your ID does not show it.
Who is Olivia Chow running against?
Olivia Chow is the incumbent Mayor of Toronto, first elected in a 2023 by-election after John Tory resigned. She is seeking re-election in the 26 October 2026 election. Her main opponent is Brad Bradford, a Toronto city councillor. You can read both candidate profiles at voche.me: Olivia Chow at /on/toronto-2026/candidates/olivia-chow and Brad Bradford at /on/toronto-2026/candidates/brad-bradford.
Is the Downsview Advocate a major Toronto newspaper?
The Downsview Advocate is a community news publication covering the Downsview neighbourhood in the North York part of Toronto. It is a local outlet, not a city-wide daily. It has previously reported on City budget decisions, transit projects affecting Downsview residents, and local community events. The endorsement it published on October 26 is a local community endorsement, not a city-wide editorial board decision.
Where can I find my Toronto voting location today?
The City of Toronto's MyVote tool at toronto.ca/vote shows your assigned voting location and polling hours. Polls are open from 10 AM to 8 PM on 26 October 2026. You must vote at the location assigned to your registered address. If you are not sure whether you are on the voters list, you can also register in person at your polling station on election day.
What other endorsements has Olivia Chow received?
During the 2026 Toronto mayoral campaign, Olivia Chow received endorsements from federal Liberal MP Doly Begum, reported in October 2026, and from other community and labour groups. Her opponent Brad Bradford received endorsements from civic group A Better City Toronto, from the Toronto Sun editorial board, and from Jennifer McKelvie, who served as deputy mayor under Chow from 2022 to 2025. These are endorsements as reported by named outlets covering the campaign.
Where can I read more about the Toronto mayoral candidates?
You can read profiles of all candidates for Toronto mayor, councillor, and school board trustee at voche.me. The mayoral candidate list is at /on/toronto-2026/candidates#mayor. Recent news about the Toronto election is at /on/toronto-2026/news. Polls about the mayoral race are tracked at /on/toronto-2026/polls.
Sources
The pages this story draws on. Open one to check a claim yourself.
- Downsview Advocate: endorsement of Olivia Chowdownsviewadvocate.ca
- City of Toronto: find your voting locationtoronto.ca
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