Brad Bradford
Councillor Brad Bradford generally aligns with the majority and mayor's position on Toronto City Council, demonstrating a fiscally conservative approach with strong support for market-oriented housing development. He consistently backs key housing initiatives but frequently dissents on fiscal measures, procedural items, and some progressive policies. Notable for frequent absences on votes, particularly in housing and transit files. He is an active sponsor of motions focused on public safety, transit customer service, and economic development, which often align with his priorities but do not always secure majority support.
Consistently supports major housing development approvals, streamlining measures, and initiatives like the Housing Action Plan and multiplex permissions. Often opposes specific amendments related to shelters, modular housing, and public housing expansions, favoring market-driven solutions over increased public intervention.
Generally supports transit initiatives but has dissented on cycling plans and transit priority measures like RapidTO. Votes indicate a mixed approach, occasionally opposing progressive transit or environmental policies, such as voting against electric ferries and some surface transit network plans.
Typically supports core budget measures like operating and capital budgets, but opposes certain tax increases, financial plan updates, and spending on community services. Demonstrates fiscal conservatism by voting against property tax amendments and waste management rate increases, while supporting revenue tools like the Vacant Home Tax.
Notable Votes & Deviations
Gardiner East Project
Voted against a major infrastructure project, breaking with the majority on a key decision that could impact urban development and transportation.
Expanding Toronto Community Crisis Service
Opposed expansion of a community mental health service, highlighting a dissent on social services and public health funding.
Housing Action Plan for as-of-right mid-rise zoning
Supported a densification tool that was overwhelmingly rejected, showing a policy divergence on housing strategies and alignment with a small minority.
Billy Bishop Airport runway expansions
Consistently opposed airport safety expansions, indicating a stance on transportation safety and local issues that conflicts with the majority.
2025 Update on SafeTO Implementation
Voted against a community safety plan update, aligning with the minority on public safety policy and potential budget implications.
Call to Order (2025-11-12)
Voted against a routine procedural motion, a frequent point of dissent highlighting a willingness to break with the majority on council operations.
Protecting Playgrounds and Parks: Ensuring Safety for Children and Families (Amendment Vote)
Voted in favor of his own motion's amendment which failed, demonstrating a policy stance on public safety that did not garner majority support.
Driving Efficiencies at Toronto Parking Authority to Reduce 2026 Budget Pressures
Supported the mayor's motion to find parking authority efficiencies, but was in the minority, showing a deviation on a specific fiscal measure despite general fiscal conservatism.
Towards Implementing a Maximum Indoor Temperature Requirement for Rental Units and Cooling Rooms (Initial Vote)
Initially supported a progressive tenant protection policy related to heat, placing him in a small minority, though he later voted with the majority on subsequent related motions.
Making life more affordable for families by asking luxury-home buyers to chip in more (Initial Vote)
Supported a tax increase on luxury homes, a deviation from his typical fiscally conservative pattern, though the measure was rejected by council.
Moving Forward with Transform Yonge
Voted against a cycling and public realm improvement plan for Yonge Street, consistent with his trend of dissenting on certain active transportation and road redesign projects.
Showing Respect for Transit Customers: Implementing a Toronto Transit Commission Money-Back Guarantee (Key Vote)
Voted in favor of his own motion for a TTC service guarantee, but the motion failed by one vote, highlighting a policy priority that narrowly lacked council support.
Community Within Reach: Expanding Housing Options in Neighbourhoods (EHON) Neighbourhood Retail and Services Study - Phase Three Final Report
Voted in favor of a housing densification study, but was in the minority as the motion failed, indicating a deviation on a housing policy initiative.
Application for Approval to Expropriate a Portion of 20 Humberview Crescent and 50 St. Phillips Road - Stage 1
Supported expropriation for a project, but the motion was rejected, showing a minority position on land use and infrastructure.
Application for Approval to Expropriate a Portion of 20 Humberview Crescent and 50 St. Phillips Road - Stage 1
Opposed a motion related to expropriation, which passed, highlighting a dissent on property and development issues.
Permanent Closure of a Portion of the Public Laneway at 66-66Y Third Street
Voted in favor of closing a laneway, but the motion failed, showing a deviation on local infrastructure and public space management.
Review of the Order Paper
Supported a procedural review, but it was rejected, indicating a minority stance on council operations.
Strengthening the City's Heat Relief Strategy
Voted in favor of enhancing heat relief measures, but was overwhelmingly outvoted, demonstrating a deviation on climate and public health policy.
Reimbursing Certain Reasonable Legal Expenses of Shelter Consultants
Opposed reimbursing legal expenses for shelter consultants, with the motion passing, highlighting a dissent on social service funding and legal matters.