Tory’s
approval remains high
Majority approves of budget, TTC fare hike, kids riding free
TORONTO, January
25th, 2015 - In
a random sampling of public opinion taken by The Forum Poll™ among 843 Toronto
voters, as many as two thirds approved of the job John Tory is doing as mayor
(67%) and, while this is somewhat lower than the level noted last month, in the
full flush of victory (December 18, 2014 - 74% approval), it is double the
levels of approval noted for former Mayor Ford during most of his tenure.
Tory’s popularity is especially high among the oldest (83%) and the wealthiest
($100K to $250K - 82%).
Garbage collection slightly preferred west of Yonge
Customer
satisfaction overall for solid waste collection and recycling is higher west of
Yonge Street, where a private contractor, Green For Life operates, than it is
east of Yonge, still served by the city (50% “very satisfied” vs 44%,
respectively).
Two thirds approve of kids riding free on the TTC
Two
thirds of Toronto voters approve of 12 and unders being allowed to ride the TTC
for free (64%), while 3-in-10 disapprove (31%). Disapproval of this idea is
common to Gen X (45 to 54 - 40%), mid income groups ($40K to $60K - 40%) and
among those who voted for Doug Ford in the recent mayoral election (45%).
Majority approves of TTC fare increase
Voters
are told TTC fares (except cash fairs) will increase 10 cents, and the majority
actually approve (51%), while close to half disapprove (44%). Few don’t know
(5%). Approval of the increase is common to the oldest (55+ - 65%), the
wealthiest ($100K to $250K - 68%), among property owners (58%) and John Tory
voters (68%).
Most find property tax increase “about right” or “too small”
Four-in-ten
voters think a tax increase of 2.25% (2.75% including the Scarborough Subway
tax) is “about right” (42%), and a further one tenth find it “too small” (10%)
for a total of about one half who do not think the increase too great (52%).
The position it is too high is held by another 4-in-10 (41%) and about one
tenth don’t have an opinion (8%).
Strong approval for Tory’s first budget
Close
to 6-in-10 voters approve of the details of Mayor Tory’s first budget which are
described to them (59%), while just one quarter disapproves (24%). Close to one
fifth don’t share an opinion (17%). Disapproval is common to those who voted
for Doug Ford in October (50%).
"We can point to the
difference between a month ago and today but Mayor Tory still has very high
approval ratings, similar to those he wore in the first months of the mayoral
campaign. Since mid-December, the mayor has made announcements and enacted
policy, some of which has ruffled feathers. I wouldn’t say the honeymoon is
over, but Toronto is beginning to judge John Tory as a working mayor, rather
than as a recent saviour," said Forum Research President, Dr. Lorne
Bozinoff.
Lorne Bozinoff, Ph.D. is the president and founder of Forum
Research. He can be reached at lbozinoff@forumresearch.com or at (416)
960-9603.
