Mayor Olivia Chow has removed Coun. Brad Bradford, an outspoken critic of many of her policies, from his role as vice-chair of the city’s planning and housing committee.
The update came Monday when the mayor set out her recommendations for who will sit on a fleet of committees and advisory boards for the second half of council’s term.
Bradford’s demotion was among the changes.
The Beaches-East York councillor retains his seat on the committee but Coun. Frances Nunziata will take over as vice-chair.
Bradford accused Chow of choosing “politics over progress” on the housing file.
“Despite our different views on many issues, I thought the Mayor and I were aligned on the need to get more homes built in Toronto and deliver supply-related solutions,” he wrote in a statement.
Bradford, who placed eighth in last year’s mayoral race, worked in urban planning prior to being elected to office. He has fashioned himself as a pro-development “YIMBY” and frequently advocates for policies that aim to increase housing supply and density.
He was also among the critics of Chow’s move to raise property taxes earlier this year.
Bradford pledged to “continue to hold the mayor to account,” especially if the city heads down an “ideological” path towards publicly built housing.
The mayor’s tentpole affordable housing strategy involves cutting fees and taxes for developers that move quickly on constructing already-approved rental housing.
Also Monday, Chow announced Coun. Paula Fletcher will chair a new “Mayor’s Table on Affordable Housing Delivery” to expedite the building of affordable housing.
“We’ve made important investments, and now it’s time to get these priority projects across the finish line as quickly as possible,” Chow wrote in a letter about the appointment changes.
Parkdale-High Park Coun. Gord Perks remains chair of the planning and housing committee.
